To change policies, we need hard facts first. With our database of thousands of seal entanglements, we facilitate scientific research to

 

• Understand the scale of the problem,

• identify hotspots, 

• assess specific vulnerabilities, 

• identify main anthropogenic causes, and to

• track changes. 

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Accurate and comprehensive data on entanglement can strengthen legal and policy frameworks related to marine conservation. It provides a basis for evidence-based decision-making and enhances the effectiveness of conservation laws and regulations. 

 

Since 1 January 2021, we use the application Epicollect5 on the field to record the details of the different entangled Cape fur seals we encounter. Back at the OCN headquarters, we transfer this data to a Google Sheets database that can then easily be shared with scientists around the world.

Because of EpiCollet5, we know that

• 60% of the entangled seals we spot are pups.

• 53% of the entangled seals we spot are males.

• 52% of the entanglements originate from fishing activities
  (69% if we add the packaging straps).

• we have encountered only 12 dead entangled Cape fur seals since January 2021.

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All our data is available for free. If you are a scientist and need access,

please contact us via email: info@ocnamibia.org

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