Research and
Data Collection

To protect Cape Fur Seals and other marine animals, we need more than compassion - we need facts. Our ongoing research collects critical data about entanglements and turns it into knowledge and media contributions that can shape stronger conservation policies.

 

Studying the difference between male and female entanglement rates reveals important patterns. Female seals spend more time on land close to their pups, while males can roam the ocean for months at a time. These insights help us identify potential hotspots for entanglement and better understand where the risks are highest.

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Our research also confirms what we have long suspected: the fishing industry is directly responsible for most seal entanglements. Having hard data means we can prove this beyond doubt, giving policymakers the evidence they need to push for real change.

 

By pinpointing how many cases are caused by packaging straps alone, we are able to highlight one major culprit. This creates a clear opportunity for targeted action, and a future where simple changes in industry practice can save countless lives at sea.

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At Ocean Conservation Namibia, every seal rescue adds a piece to the bigger puzzle. When those pieces come together, they build the foundation for better laws, better policies, and a safer ocean for all marine life.

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Since 1 January 2021, we have been using 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.​

If you are a scientist and need free access, please contact antoine@ocnamibia.org.