GoPro for a Cause Spotlight: Rescuing Seals with Ocean Conservation Namibia

Namibia is well-known in the surf community for its legendary barrels, but there is a dedicated group of locals bringing attention to the regions marine life. Ocean Conservation Namibia (OCN) raises awareness about the devastating effects of plastic pollution by documenting the rescue of entangled seals and other marine animals from plastic debris along the Namibian coast in southern Africa. Through observation, direct action, exposure, and education OCN raises awareness of the global plastic crisis and hopes to motivate people worldwide to reduce their plastic footprint and work towards a sustainable future.

Seal rescues are OCNs main priority. Seal entanglement is a massive problem along Namibias Skeleton Coast-home to more than 1.5 million Cape fur seals. According to OCN, seals are curious and playful and often get entangled in plastic debris such as abandoned fishing lines and nets, packaging, and bags. Once entangled, the seals cannot free themselves. As they grow, the entanglements tighten around their neck, flippers, mouth, and body-leading to an agonizing death.

What started as a solo effort by Naude Dreyer, a kayaking tour guide based in Walvis Bay, Namibia, conducting a few spur-of-the-moment rescues, has grown into a full-time environmental organization. Now, OCNs team includes Naudes wife, Katja, their children, Dylan, Nina, and Marley, and a dedicated team of rescuers, wildlife rangers, biologists, and scientists.

OCN is working to disentangle and free seals while raising awareness about the harmful impact of plastic pollution on the environment. A typical rescue involves:

spotting a seal in distress

capturing it

cutting it loose from entanglements

returning it to the ocean-as quickly and safely as possible.

Some rescues are more complicated and require several team members with specialized nets and cutting equipment, creativity, and lots of patience.

Over the past ten years, OCNs seal rescue team has disentangled over 3,000 seals from ocean rubbish-mostly discarded commercial fishing gear such as fishing lines and nylon nets. Also, the team regularly removes debris from beaches along the Namibian coast to reduce the potential threat to seals and other animals. Watch the new film Cutting the Line to see what drives the Dreyer family's mission and experience the thrills, danger and challenges involved in OCN's work.

Support OCNs Mission

Follow OCN on their social media channels: Instagram, TikTok, facebook, and YouTube, and share their videos and stories. OCN relies on private donations and merchandise sales to fund seal rescues and plastic cleanup projects. You can donate here and purchase sustainably sourced merchandise here.

GoPro for a Cause-our nonprofit partnership and donation program-supports eligible nonprofits to varying degrees with in-kind or cash donations and employee volunteer time. You can learn more about getting involved with GoPro for a Cause here.

LINK:	https://gopro.com/en/gb/news/gopro-for-a-cause-spotlight-ocean-conserv...
	See more stories from gopro

Most recent headlines