Text entered

Flood defence project gets small seal of approval

www.environment-agency.gov.uk

14 October 2010

Flood defence project gets small seal of approval
14-Oct-2010
Contractors working on a multi-million pound Environment Agency flood defence project came to the rescue when they found a sick seal pup close to the works.

The distressed pup was found washed up on the beach at Moggs Eye on 9 September by the driver of an excavator working on the Lincshore beach re-nourishment scheme.

Lincshore, which helps to reduce the risk of flooding to 30,000 homes and businesses, 19,000 static caravans and 35,000 hectares of land between Mablethorpe and Skegness, began in July. This year’s project has seen 400,000 cubic metres of sand pumped onto beaches and is due to finish this month.

The pup, now named Ariel after the Disney mermaid, was in extremely poor health when she was found. She had an infection in her mouth and lower jaw, blood in her mouth and was suffering from lungworm which made it difficult for her to breath.

Ariel was taken to the Natureland seal sanctuary, in Skegness, where she was placed in the Seal Hospital and has since made a fantastic recovery, thanks to the dedicated staff there.

She has now been transferred to the rearing pool to put on weight and socialise with another seven rescued seals. It is expected that she will be released back into the wild on Tuesday 19 October (weather permitting).

Mark Robinson, Environment Agency Coastal Adviser, said: “Lincshore helps to reduce the risk of flooding to thousands of people living, working and visiting the coast of Lincolnshire. It also ensures the area benefits from having long stretches of sandy beaches. These beaches not only provide the basis of a thriving tourism industry, they are also used by creatures such as seals.

“The pup, unfortunately, had lost its mother but, luckily, was washed up onto the beach where we were working. We are pleased we were there to rescue Ariel before it was too late and would like to thank the staff at Natureland for caring for the pup.”

Duncan Yeadon, who runs Natureland with his brother Richard, said: “Thanks to the prompt action of the Lincshore workers, we were able to give Ariel the medication she needed to save her life. Lungworm, in particular, can prove fatal to seal pups.

“We are now looking forward to giving her a second chance in life when she is released back into the sea on Tuesday.”

Notes for editors

Pictures of the seal pup available on request

The Lincshore re-nourishment scheme began in 1994 and covers beaches from Mablethorpe to Skegness.

Each year, sand is dredged from licensed sites offshore and pumped onto beaches to replace material lost to erosion over winter.

The project is reviewed every five years to ensure it remains the best option for protecting homes and businesses from flooding. A review last year concluded it was and this year marks the start of another five-year programme which will see £30 million spent protecting the coastline.

Lincshore offers the coast an excellent standard of protection but flooding cannot always be completely prevented. This means people living and working in coastal communities should take steps to ensure they know what to do in an emergency. To find out more, contact Floodline on 0845 988 1188 or visit www.environment-agency.gov.uk