SEALS ARE SHOT AT SEA IN SOUTH AFRICA
- CALL FOR BAN ON GUNS -
Earle Bingley of the Canadian Voice for Animals, has kindly set-up a web-page, where you can go to see the latest campaign newsletters, you can also view and write a comment in the guest book at: www.canadianvoiceforanimals.org/SASealAlert_Index.html For the Seals, Francois Hugo Seal Alert-SA
THERE CAN BE NO GREATER "GIFT" THAN THE "GIFT OF LIFE
A BETTER WORLD - I AM TRYING - I AM ON MY KNEES
- Francois Hugo -
CRY FOR HELP PLEASE WRITE
For Seals - Robben Island is their "Berlin Wall", separating Seabirds and Seals along the entire southern African continent. YOUR LETTERS DO IN FACT WORK. THESE FEW MINUTES TAKEN TO WRITE, COULD NOT ONLY SAVE THOUSANDS OF SEAL LIFE'S IN THE DECADES TO COME, BUT IN FACT SAVE THE ENTIRE SPECIES. Wildlife Genocide Alert - Cape Fur Seals - Call for Enquiry
22 APRIL 2006
RETURN TO ROBBEN (Seal) ISLAND
"Robben" or "Cornelia" as named by explorer Spillbergen. It is of importance to us as seals have been extinct on this island for over 200 years, yet it is the largest island in southern Africa.
PLEASE GO ON WRITING TO KEEP PRESSURE ON THE REALIZATION OF THIS PLAN
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THE IMPORTANCE OF SEALS ON ROBBEN - THE RETURN OF SEALS TO ROBBEN (SEAL) ISLAND:
Monday, April 24, 2006 7:31 AM
SealAlert-SA
sasealion@wam.co.za
Dear Cape Fur Seal Supporters,
I have written this report in order so that all can not only understand the past, but see how vital it is that Seals begin colonising the largest island in southern Africa, named after them. Please make every effort to support this, for if not properly supported, it makes all rescue and anti-sealing initiatives pointless. To those that already have, thank you !
Francois.
----- Original Message -----
From: SealAlert-SA
sasealion@wam.co.za>
To: Titus Chuene TitusC@robben-island.org.za> ; Michael Raimondo iucnmedia@gmail.com> ; nhermann@iafrica.com ; herbert henrich henrich@tiscali.co.za> ; hkleinschmidt@feike.co.za ; shaund@robben-island.org.za ; mwillemse@deat.gov.za ; clenders@deat.gov.za ; stoffelf@pprotect.org ; garyp@pprotect.org ; LawrenceM@pprotect.pwv.gov.za ; verne@nelsonmandela.org ; akathrada@anc.org.za ; jbell@ifaw.org ; dnel@wwf.org.za ; nrockman@pgwc.gov.za ; president@iucn.org ; achim.steiner@iucn.org ; oosthuiz@deat.gov.za
Sent: Monday, April 24, 2006 6:33 AM
Subject: The importance of seals on Robben
The Return of Seals to Robben (Seal) Island
Why is the return of seals to Robben Island of such vital importance? According to MCM seals have grown from near extinction in 1900 to an estimated 1.5 - 2 million by 1997, and are therefore of no conservation concern. Whereas seabirds whose numbers were unknown in 1900, and which is believed numbered, for example the African penguin, at over a million have declined, and are therefore endangered or of a conservation concern. Accordingly, as population official figures go back only 30 years, both MCM and Seabird conservationists have adopted a policy of managing these species in the "here and now" trends. I propose and believe this approach is fundamentally flawed, because it gives a distorted view of wildlife trends and therefore their conservation needs, as there has been unprecedented human interference upon both these species for centuries. With over 100 species of seabird and just 1 specie of seal competing for the same resources and breeding habitat, this official policy is doomed to fail from the start. The yardstick being used is not historical balance of a biodiversity environment on their endemic breeding habitat, but simply of that of a declining trend in any one of the 101 species found off our southern Africa coast. With this approach, we will continually be saving the declining minority whilst ignoring the whole or the majority, who in turn will become the minority. In a sense, an Apartheid system on animals.
Over 2 million ha are envisaged by wildlife managers for the protection of terrestrial wildlife for southern Africa. In the case of marine wildlife there is only 1000 ha of island land or 0.05%. Breeding habitats are therefore crucial to marine wildlife. We need to therefore consider this in all our policy making.
Cultural and Heritage
From a cultural and heritage perspective. According to the earliest historical accounts of the Portuguese, Dutch, French and English, breeding herds of seals dominated the offshore islands. As clearly seals should as it is what the natural world intended. Naturally seals and seabirds co-existed in harmony, as well. Particular historical references to this can be found in the following;
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* In 1601, Sir James Lancaster wrote, Robben Island (Saldanha) - in this island there is great abundance of seals and penguins, in such number as is almost incredible.
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* In 1604, Sir Henry Middleton wrote, Robben Island - where we found such infinite number of seals that it was admirable to behold. All the seashore lies overspread with them, and up towards the middle of the island there be infinite number of fowls called penguins, pelicans and cormorants.
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* In 1601, Joris van Spillbergen wrote, Dassen Island - but with a quantity of sea-wolves (seals), besides this we also found a quantity of Dassie, furthermore, there is also a great abundance of birds as that sort called penguins.
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* In 1605, Sir Edward Michelbourne wrote, Dassen Island - upon said island is abundance of great Conies and seals.
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* In 1607, David Middleton wrote, Penguin Island (Saldanha) - went to penguin island, where we saw such abundance of seals and penguins, that it was admirable, but in mine opinion, there is not an island in the world more frequented with fowls and seals then this island.
Professor Andy Smith of the Archaeological department at UCT and Dr Woodbourne of CSIR in his Seal Ecology paper, both confirm, prior to human interference, disturbance and exploitation, seals only bred on offshore islands prior to 1940. A number of these islands were in fact named after these large colonies of seals by the earliest explorers. In 1576, Perestrello named the bay today known as Algoa Bay, Baia des Lobos, "bay of seals"
because of the large number of seals found there. Robben Island and Robben Island in Saldanha described by Sir James Lancaster in 1601, is just a few examples of these references to large colonies of seals on offshore islands.
Seal Conservation
According to once head of Marine Mammals, Specialist scientist Dr Jeremy David of MCM, now retired, over 23 island seal colonies are extinct. According to the Seabirds and Seal Protection Act of 1973, it lists 33 islands and rocks for the conservation and protection of these species, and there is no listing at all for any mainland colonies. Under Cites both species enjoy equal protection under appendix 2 listing. According to MCM's own official Seal pup population surveys, every island larger than 2ha, is extinct to breeding seals, and have remained so for the past 30 years of protection, growth and conservation, islands like Bird and Seal Island Algoa Bay (Bay of Seals), Dyer Island (20ha), Robben Island (576ha), Dassen (273ha), Vondeling (21ha) and the islands of Saldanha - Malgas, Marcus, Meeuwen, Schaapen and Jutten (66ha) and the northern most island Penguin island (2.2ha). In fact every island off the coast of South Africa.
In total there is 985 ha of protected island land in South Africa, according to MCM Seal breeding only occurs on 10ha or just over 1%. On this total of 10 ha, there are 10 seal breeding colonies, meaning on average less than 1 ha per colony. In complete opposite, each of the 11 seabird islands is on average for the past 30 years, 88 ha or 88 times bigger. Clearly with seabirds breeding on 99% of the protected offshore land, it is fair to say seabirds have displaced the more dominant seals, not only unnaturally aided by humans, but to the extent with which it has already caused the extinction of every island seal colony in South Africa, and poses a very real threat to the future conservation of seals and collapse of the whole marine eco-system.
From our eastern most seal colony, (Bay of Seals - Algoa Bay) a Dr Stewardson has reported seals have been restricted to the smallest awash rock in the group of many islands in this bay, known as Black Rock, where with an existing Seal named island already extinct, she has further reported in the last 12 years, seals have further declined by 82%. This is confirmed by MCM own official population surveys, which recorded 1702 pups in 1971 and in 1997, only 142 pups were born. Without further records, there is a very real chance that over the last decade, this colony might be on the brink of extinction. Likewise Robben Island, the biggest island in southern Africa has been extinct to breeding seals for over 200 years, as has the second largest Dassen. At our northern most seal colony, Penguin Island, MCM have a proposal before the Minister to cull hundreds of seals, even though this island has officially been recorded by MCM as remaining extinct from 1971 through to 1997, when unofficially seals have been breeding there since 1985.
As far back as 1638, Artus Gijsels wrote, went with longboat to Robben Island, he reported, that there was nothing there but one penguin, and no wild beasts except a few seals, all of which must have been exterminated. In 1880, the famous ship the HMS Challenger brought naturalist Moseley to South Africa and he wrote, I paid a visit to an island in False Bay, called Seal Island. The whole place is a rookery of the Jackass Penguins. In 1893, the then government of the day acknowledged the fact that the Cape Fur Seal was on the verge of extinction as a species and introduced protection under the Cape Fish act.
From 1900, this near extermination of the Cape Fur Seals from islands once dominated by them, would naturally have left an ecological "hole" in the breeding habitat upon these islands, which would unnaturally have been filled with an increased seabird population,aided by both increased habitat and increased available prey resources. This unfortunately is where modern seabird conservation begins and hence its flaw. Citing seabirds are now endangered today because of what they were 100 or even 50 years ago is unnatural, due to the unnatural near extinction of breeding seals on islands.
Instead of MCM scientists seeking to rectify this. They aided and unnaturally enforced this further, building walls around most of the larger islands, employed "herdsmen", light-house personnel, CapeNature conservation staff and even full-time foreigners, to shoot seals attempting to haul-out, and in general maintained "seal shooing" programs that banned seals, that are still in force today, on every island. As a result, as reflected clearly in MCM's official seal population surveys, for the past three decades, seals have sort refuge and have been restricted to the smallest awash rocks in South Africa. A classic example of this is Seal Rock in False Bay, in 1880 a penguin colony, by 1997, although only a rock of 2 ha, has become the largest offshore seal breeding colony in southern Africa. Difficulties in landing and harvesting seals on such small rocks, the seal population recovered, and as density quickly became a problem. Forced upon this species by 1940, the unnatural migration north and onto the mainland, began.
Seal Population in Crisis
Officially MCM still projects a healthy seal population of 1.5 - 2 million, with a total pup production of 313 281 recorded in 1997. Well aware that since the late 1980's, 80% of all pups were now being born on the mainland unnaturally, MCM ignored this. As too, the first mainland mass mortality in 1988, the direct cause starvation, involving 250 000, or the one in 1994 or the 300 000 in 2000, in fact Namibian officials state 2006, pup breeding season to be the worst yet. Between 1990 and 2000, Namibian authorities report their 80% of the seal population has dropped by 55%. There is no sound natural reason for this mass northern migration of the seal population, for similarly in the same period, the Namibian pelagic and deep-water fish stocks have declined to almost zero. With Namibian fishing fleets now by agreement fishing in SA waters to prevent complete closure.
In South Africa the situation is equally as bleak. MCM has again claimed that the seals are growing at 3%. However compared to other Fur Seals species, growths of 14% are more common, in fact, with a maximum mortality of 32% for pups and a 10% for old adults, the Cape Fur Seals should be averaging around 14% per year. Penguins for example have averaged a growth of 10%. Even at 3%, after 3 decades, there should be a doubling in the number of pups born in SA. Instead we see almost zero growth on these small awash seal rock colonies, 35 531 pups recorded in 1971 and 36 772 in 1997. Quite clearly we can expect no more growth coming from our offshore seal population in SA, the result of this density and aided by the low lying of these less than 3 metre high rocks, confronting ocean swells of 5 - 10 metres, especially during pupping time, when pups cant swim or are waterproofed, ensures that we will endure increasing incidents of mass washing ashore of pups, who are experiencing up to a 90% failure rate.
In 1990 the Cape Fur Seals, endemic to the Cape, become officially known as the South African Fur Seals, in order to address these unnatural imbalances forced upon these seals, and is in further danger with less than 10% living on offshore rocks in South Africa, of becoming officially known as the Namibian Fur Seal or perhaps, as per recent further northward migration trends away from sealing/culling mainland's, the Angolan Fur Seals. Perhaps this is the intention all along.
Robben (Seal) Island
Robben (Seal) Island, extinct for over 200 years to seals can address all these unnatural human induced interferences, that have disrupted this ecological balance for centuries. At 250-times larger than the largest offshore seal colony, it offers significant possibility. So large in fact, if every seal in southern Africa, including the 80% in Namibia on the mainland, had to re-migrate back to this single island Robben, they would only occupy less than 6% of this island land.
In apparent conflict with some endangered seabird conservation, seals on Robben could offer solutions of reduced critical habitat conflict or even from predation on seabirds at other sensitive seabird sites, as is currently allegedly occurring at numerous seabird breeding colonies, both on our east and west coasts. Naturally, seals are designed and as such need the islands for as much as 50% of each day, to pup, to bred, to rest, to heal, to raise their young and to moult, with their pups needing the islands for 10 to 12 months continuously.
Restricted unnaturally to these small awash rock colonies, density and overcrowding, especially during pupping time, becomes major issues leading to a 90% pup failure and causing cows to pup unnecessarily on the coastline and abort their young. Up to 40 000 deaths and their rescue, could to a certain extent be reduced, by offering the seals an alternative haul-out site to alleviate these problems.
Seal Eco-tourism already in existence for over 25 years, where even the smallest seal colony, so small its colony has never been counted as it is considered a non-breeding colony, has seen increased Tour Boat Operator entrants who have invested millions in tour-boats to ferry tourists to the seal colonies. This smallest seal colony, generates over R20 million in direct ticket sales, much of it in foreign exchange, where over 400 000 tourists delight in paying for the right to view our seal wildlife. Making it one of the top ten attractions in the Cape. In the process, hundreds of jobs are created and with many in the previously disadvantaged or unemployed sector now earning significant sustainable income.
Unique to Robben (Seal) Island Like Mandela took the Long Walk to Freedom from Robben Island for his people. Robben has the same ability to do so for it's endemic and indigenous Cape Fur Seal population, a species found nowhere else on earth. Its uniqueness is evident in many aspects;
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* Tourism - This would be the only Seal-Viewing colony where tourists can view seals for the first time, in their true and natural habitat, an offshore island proper. It would also be the only colony open to the public, where the unique interactions between seals can be viewed at close range. The birth and raising of pups. The establishment of harems. The mating of bulls and cows. The moulting and the amazing interactions that occur throughout the year. Previously not possible when viewed from a considerable distance from a tour boat.
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* Cultural - Many foreign countries visitors, especially those from the East seldom visit Robben during their stay, when asked about the reasons for this, claimed there is little or no wildlife upon the island, and as such prefer due to time constraints within their tight tour schedules, to visit the Seal Colony off Hout Bay instead. In the process robbing South Africa of the opportunity to educate others of our unique culture and history, both in human and animal terms, that Robben has to offer.
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* Scientific - It would be the only colony in South Africa where seals can be studied and observed living in their "pristine and wild" state as nature intended upon sizeable offshore islands. Many as yet, unanswered questions about correct natural mortality rates of new-borns, the migration to and from the colony, the role of alpha bulls and the size of harems, the natural growth of the population, the mortality rate, the entanglement factor and percentage. Many, many questions can be answered, that under current conditions offer no possible "natural" answers. Including seabird interactions, and where there is in fact any positive interactions between seals and seabirds, to help guide future policies and address certain conflict areas.
In general, the re-establishment of a fully functioning, breeding Cape Fur Seal colony on Robben Island is the most significant development towards conservation this species will have seen in centuries. In re-turning seals to Robben (Seal) Island, the largest island in southern Africa, is akin to the apartheid government unbanning the ANC and freeing Mandela, which lead to the New and better South Africa.
Please allow this to become the new and better South Africa, for the Cape Fur Seals as well.
For the Seals
Francois Hugo Seal Alert-SA
021-790 8774
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LIST OF CAPE FUR SEAL SUPPORTERS - THERE ARE MANY MANY MORE
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At present, Black Rocks supports c. 700 seals. In the last 12 years the population has decreased by 82%. By destroying seal herds through commercial harvesting, and confining the population to Black Rocks, the population is unable to build up its numbers sufficiently to stimulate colonisation of neighbouring islands. Limited space for breeding seals on Black Rocks, and the influence of storms (gale force winds and high swells) restricts the number of pups that can be reared successfully. It is unlikely that the Black Rocks population can increase quickly enough to flow onto Seal and Stag islands, without being depleted by storms. The effect of man on the Seal, Stag and Black Rocks populations is therefore a permanent one. Approximately 23 000 Cape fur seals may have occupied the Bird Island group before European exploitation. The current population for the Eastern Cape coast is considerably less than its historical size.
12Chapter10a.pdf - 3315.6 Kb :
thesis.anu.edu.au/uploads/approved/adt-ANU20030124.162757/public/12Chapter10a.pdf
Dear all seal supporters from around the world. A better world, I am trying, I am on my knees, and so are you. What's in front of us ? At the tip of Africa, there are 3000 licenced commercial fishing skippers and 30 000 fishermen, who are illegally killing Cape Fur Seals everyday. In life, and in reality, numbers count, I know you all care deeply about the animals. Our Minister in a democratically elected country, has to consider the needs of the majority, at the moment, it is 30 000 fisherman in one country wanting to kill seals
The South African Seal Campaign
The Cape Fur Seals, which are found nowhere else on earth at the tip of Africa, and have evolved over millions of years - need all your help!. Under International Common Law, Cape Fur Seals are defined as "res nullius", which means, as wildlife, they have no owner. In the last decade, they have declined by over 50%. Hundreds of thousands are dying as we speak and are without food, protection, help or a future. In your future, or perhaps you or your children or your children's future, would like to one day, come to the tip of Africa on a holiday, to see the majestic Whales, or dive with the Great White Sharks or visit a Seal Colony, but without an "owner", will any of these wild creatures still be there. I believe there is a future in this world, not only for the seals, but for you and I.
Lets together get the support pouring in, today it is Cape Fur Seals, tomorrow . . .
For the Seals
Francois Hugo Seal Alert-SA
"ROBBEN ISLAND SEALED OFF" - HELP PLEASE FOR RETURN SA "ROBBEN" TO ROBBEN ISLAND WHERE THEY BELONG
- GET ROBBEN ISLAND RETURNED TO THE SEALS.
THIS IS A VERY IMPORTANT PETITION, PLEASE SIGN IT AND PASS IT ALONG
www.PetitionOnline.com/RobbenSA/
www.canadianvoiceforanimals.org/SA_Partners.html
LET US GIVE THE ISLAND OF SEALS BACK TO THE SOUTH AFRICAN FUR SEALS
19 MARCH 06 MEANING OF LIFE - ROBBEN ISLAND WHAT IS GOING ON?
THIS IS ROBBEN ISLAND
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Bull seal shot in the right cheek, with the bullet smashing nasal bones and teeth before exiting, shot behind the right flipper and again in the head. Another seal shot in the neck with the bullet exiting it's shoulder.
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18 April 2006:
Dear All Cape Fur Seal Supporters, The following article appeared today in the Cape Times. I would strongly suggest that we write to this Tour Operator and strongly voice our opinion. Details, below. For The Seals Francois Hugo - Seal Alert-SA write to ronselley@kingsley.co.za
From his website Lambert's Bay Boat Cruises
A west coast experience. Whales, dolphins, seals and pelagic birds. A marine experience not to be missed!
Half hour dolphin trips all year round to watch Heavyside's dolphins, which only occur on the west coast of Southern Africa. Ferry trips across the harbour to Bird Island. Sunset cruises and extended boat cruises. Contact us for suggestions. Special drinks and dinner when arranged.
Tour Boat Operator, Ron Selley of Lambert's Bay Boat Cruises the instigator of this article can be reached on ronselley@kingsley.co.za and his cell numbers are 082 969 4319 or 082 922 4334. He is also head of Lambert's Bay NSRI (National Sea Rescue Institue).
*.*.*.*.*In Loving Memory of Myrna*.*.*.*.*
www.canadianvoiceforanimals.org/LovingMemoryOfMyrna.html
and:
www.canadianvoiceforanimals.org/ThankYou.html
MUMKIN - MAX - MYRNA
THIS IS A VERY IMPORTANT PETITION, PLEASE SIGN IT AND PASS IT ALONG
www.PetitionOnline.com/RobbenSA/
SA's no. 1 Tourist Attraction - Cape Fur Seal Nightmare 12April06
SEAL GENOCIDE VS SEABIRD CONSERVATION - OPEN LETTER TO MINISTER - BY FRANCOIS HUGO
READ THIS ALSO - 25 March 06 Cape Fur Seals - Bird Island-Lambert's Bay
29 MARCH 2006 THIS HAS GOING ON FOR DECADES, FRANCOIS - SEALS AT BLACK ROCKS, ALGOA BAY - SOUTH AFRICA - CLICK HERE
Earl H. Earle Bingley - W Vancouver, BC:
UPDATE 4 APRIL 06 FLIGHT, STONES AND SEALS THAT GO BUMP IN THE NIGHT !
A PERSONAL APPEAL - THE SOUTH AFRICAN SEAL CAMPAIGN
The South African "cape fur seals" are in grave danger. They have been removed from Robbeneiland (or Robben Island as it became world known because of the imprisonment of Nelson Mandela) and they have to survive on shallow rocks at the coastline or on the beaches. They are prey of land predators, seal hunters, the bullets of fishermen and their babies are washed off the rocks and drowning in the seasonal storms. So these officially protected seals are dying by the thousands from a governmental policy that kills seals and protects the fishermen. This desperate situation will lead to their extinction.
Seal Alert S.A. is the only serious although single handed (François Hugo does all the work) rescue organization in S.A. that helps the seals in spite of continuous obstruction by responsible Marine wildlife authorities in South Africa.
The main strategy of Seal Alert is the return of the cape fur seals to their original habitats like Robben Island and Dassen Island. As South Africa turns a blind eye on the agony of the seals he needs powerful external support.
If proof can be collected that the seals have lived on these islands in history, Unesco might support the return of the seals to their habitat in the frame of "cultural heritage", especially so for an island that is named after the seals.
As Portuguese sailors (Bartolomeu Dias) were probably the first to visit these islands at the "Cabo das tempestas" around 1487, Portuguese national archives might have records to prove the existence of the seals on Robben Island or even other islands as well. This proof is extremely valuable to have Unesco help to restore the historical rights of the seals to return to their habitat, i.c. "their own island".
Seal Alert SA as well as we would be very grateful for your help.
A BETTER WORLD - I AM TRYING - I AM ON MY KNEES
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POEM BY DANIEL NORTH ESSEX UK
KISS
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27 September 2005
Dear All,
It is important to understand some facts here.
In South Africa there are 9 offshore breeding colonies and 1 mainland colony. In 1973 the Cape Fur Seal became a protected species in SA under the Seabirds and Seals Protection Act. In 1990 South Africa stopped commercial sealing at the only mainland colony, where they were clubbing 30 000 pups and shooting up to 20 000 bulls.
The question is this. Should the seals on the 9 protected offshore rocks, where commercial sealing was not viable/possible, be rescued from entanglement, stranding, injury, sickness or new-born pups washing ashore?
If so, should they have been rescued from 1973 or after SA stopped sealing in 1990? If your answer is yes to the above, who then was doing these rescues. SPCA was not. It was removing seals and destroying them, it was not rescuing them and they kept no records of the number of seals they removed. They also did not apply for a permit, to remove, capture, kill as required by the Act. MCM was not. It has and never has had facilities or expertise to do so. It was assisting the SPCA to capture and remove seals for destruction. What was MCM doing. The only rescue MCM has done, was from 1990 (because of an international yacht race complaint), started to disentangle seals in 1 harbour out of 13 in SA.
There is no other organization rescuing seals in the whole of SA. 3 aquariums occasionally took in seals found stranded, but kept them for display. Where was IFAW, SPCA, MCM, WWF during all these years, from 1973 to 1999.
When tens of thousands of seals were entangled, shot, starving, ill, stranded, or babies washed ashore in their thousands. In 2000 over 50% or 8000 baby seals washed ashore in one week from one offshore colony.
Where did all these tens of thousands of dead or killed protected seals vanish to for decades ?
Seal Rescue, or the need to, could not possibly have only started in 1999/2000 with the establishment of Seal Alert-SA, so what is going on ? The very first time IFAW, SPCA, MCM, SANCCOB, TWO OCEANS AQUARIUM started discussing Seal Rescue was after Seal Alert-SA applied for SA first Seal Rescue permit in 1999.
Who then formed a Seal Action Group to oppose me. Why this was done has remained a mystery to Seal Alert-SA.
SPCA only applied for their first Seal Rescue Permit in 2000. Having no facilities, they took seals to the very VETS, I had been working with and threatened these VETS to no longer work with Seal Alert-SA The VETS had no training, previous seal experience or expertise, some of which then went overseas to the only Seal Rescue Centre I had sponsored in 1999, to come out to SA, and have discussions with role players to convince them that Seal Rescue is a necessity.
The State Vet, did the first Post Mortem of a Seal in my presence. He nor his entire department had ever done a PM not a seal before to establish cause of death. In 2001, the Public Protector stopped SPCA from taking seals to its own Cat/Dog and farm Animal facilities in 2001, permanently. SPCA was given an "export to zoos facility of MCM for live seals" to use, and they appointed a new private Vet, in 2001, working from a private practice. The IFAW, MCM, SPCA scheme to open a R3 Million Seal Centre Building was also stopped, permanently. One week before the IFAW workshop, IFAW's photographer was with me when a MCM official, Mike Meyer was called to Rescue a bull seal found stranded. It was decided to record what would happen. Mike Meyer removed the Seal, on the pretext it was going to received expert care at the Vet MCM/SPCA had been using for 2 years, since SPCA was closed and the private Vet they were using (Seal Alert's original vet) refused to work with the SPCA.
Problem number One. Mike Meyer after almost 2 years of responding almost daily to stranded seals. With the IFAW photographer driving with him, did not know where the VETS practice was they, MCM and SPCA, had been using for 2 years.
Problem number Two. With no facilities at this vet, the seal was put down.
Problem number Three. IFAW instructed this photographer not to discuss this further.
In 2004, The Deputy Director of MCM, stated in a letter to the Public, the SPCA is not there to rescue seals, its primary function is to put sick and injured seals down.
So, again I ask you. Who has been "properly" responding to seals needing rescue in SA, from 1973, or 1990, or 1999, or even after the IFAW workshop in 2003. It is now 2005 ????
From MCM 1st Seal Population count 36 000 pups were born on offshore rocks in SA, and 83 000 was born on the one mainland colony in SA in 1971. By the last count in 1997, 26 years later, still only 36 000 pups were being
born on the offshore rocks in SA. What happened to Seal growth in 26-years ?
Where or what happended to 36 000 pups x 26 years = 936 000 seal pups, where did they disappear to ??????
What is going to be done about this, can anybody explain ??????????????
Francois Hugo Seal Alert South Africa
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NO WORDS NEEDED - CLICK HERE TO READ COMPLAINT SEPTEMBER 2005"
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16 MARCH 2006 "DE-BUNKING THE MYTHS OF COMMERCIAL SEALING" - CLICK HERE
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14 MARCH 06 PUP NEWS, AND A SUCCESSFUL DISENTANGLEMENT
A WONDERFUL FEELING "GIVING A YEAR OF MY LIFE"
5 MARCH 06 PARTNERS - CAPE FUR SEALS - A SIMPLE WISH "but for us, who only take, ours should therefore ensure that we "give back", for all our life-time of taking."
2 MARCH 06 SEALS ARE NOT MEANT TO BE ON THIS ROCK, AND THEREFORE NEITHER WOULD THE SHARKS
1 MARCH 06 SAVING THE CAPE FUR SEAL FROM EXTINCTION - ROBBEN ISLAND
6 NOV 05 RETURN THE SOUTH AFRICAN ROBBEN (SEALS) TO ROBBEN ISLAND WHERE THEY BELONG
- MOST IMPORTANT TO SEND A LETTER NOW CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION -
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After this "Protest", I was left pondering a few thoughts. From my Seal Alert-SA on-line petition signatures, letters of support, guardians for the pups, and supporters of the rafts, equipment and boats, a very clear pattern has developed, proven once again, by this protest, that it is the W O M E N of the world that do all the caring for Mother Earth. We men, are clearly in the "minority" when it comes to saving and protecting this Planet's animals, yet it appears to be us men, who are equally doing all the damage. Well all I can say to this is, way to go - ladies! From now on, if any of my younger male friends or females, are looking for a "good salt of the earth - wife", I am going to tell them, go to all "Animal Rights" meetings, the place is filled with lovely ladies.
So with this in mind, Mumkin and I, head out pondering this little thought.
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16 MARCH 2006 "DE-BUNKING THE MYTHS OF COMMERCIAL SEALING" - CLICK HERE
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YOU ARE ABLE TO ADOPT A CAPE FUR (BABY) SEAL WOULDN'T THAT BE GREAT
Sponsors needed for special care of the rescued (baby) seals
In this urgent case we dare to show how to donate:
www.canadianvoiceforanimals.org/SASDonations.html
WEAR ONE OF THESE T-SHIRTS AND SHOW THAT YOU CARE ABOUT A CAPE FUR SEAL
GO TO www.canadianvoiceforanimals.org/SA_TShirts.html
GO TO www.canadianvoiceforanimals.org/SA_AngelInformation.html
CONTACT SEAL ALERT SA FRANCOIS HUGO SOUTH AFRICA sasealion@wam.co.za
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NELDA MAKES GLOBES TO GET MONEY FOR THE SEALS
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FREE THE UNLAWFULLY DETAINED SEA SHEPHERD ANTI-WHALING SHIP IN SOUTH AFRICA - CAPE TOWN
Sign also this petition click on www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/308555848
Interested persons can visit the SEA SHEPHERD website at www.seashepherd.org/ or email southafrica@seashepherd.org for more information.
12 MARCH 2006 PAUL WATSON OFFERS OLIVE BRANCH TO
January 2006
I will get onto the Public Protector regarding why the Minister has not replied to our "campaign to have guns banned in fishing" and used to kill seals, replied to yet, as has been promised last year.
For the Seals
Francois Hugo Seal Alert-SA
28 FEBR 06 - IN THE WILD SEAL DISENTANGLEMENT www.canadianvoiceforanimals.org/SA_TheRoadToTrust.html
FRANCOIS HUGO - THE NATURAL ORDER OF THINGS www.canadianvoiceforanimals.org/SA_NaturalOrder.html
17 FEBR 06 LETTER TO THE EDITOR BY ACTION AGAINST POISONING
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27 Febr 05 It's hopefully a means to the final solution of the Cape Fur Seals go to www.canadianvoiceforanimals.org/SA_Extinction.html
"I WATCHED IN AMAZEMENT" 14 February 2006 Francois Hugo SealAlert-SA
"This morning after the pups feed. Mumkin and I did our morning swim. I felt sorry for him, for he yearned for me to take him on a "proper foraging swim", but unfortunately as a "seal-man" all I could do was swim up and down with him, after taking him back to the boat, I exited the water. On the pier, on the other side, the sea-side, I was witness to between 50 and 100 dusky striped dolphins, come within an arm-length of the rocks/pier, each with their own baby calf. Swimming up and down, I watched in amazement, how each calf mimicked exactly the movement of its mom. Every single dolphin in the group had a calf, it was like it was "mother's day out with their calf's". It was truly a magnificent sight. On the one-side I was "playing mommy" with Mumkin, whilst on the other side of the pier wall, dolphins were "playing mommy" with their calf's. This naturally made me feel even worse for Mumkin, how unfair it is that he had to lose his mom, and how much she would be teaching him now."
INFO 14 FEBR 2006
MYRNA AND MAX, DECISION TAKEN, THANKS TO A LITTLE HELP FROM YOU AND NATURE
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SEA SHEPHERD PRESENTS TWO MEDALS IN SOUTH AFRICA
TO FRANCOIS HUGO OF SEAL ALART SA
AND TO HERBERT HENRICH SEA SHEPHERD ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER
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CLICK HERE FOR SAMPLE LETTER TO
The Hon Mr M van Schalkwyk Minister of Environment Affairs and Tourism
Private Bag X9154 CAPE TOWN 8000
Fax No: (021) 465-3216 and/or via
- ADV HELEN VENTER HEAD OF MINISTRY via Cynthia Lenders CLenders@deat.gov.za
- PERSONAL ASSISTANT MARIKA WILLEMSE mwillemse@deat.gov.za
SIGN THIS PETITION FOR THE CAPE FUR SEALS IN SOUTH AFRICA
www.petitiononline.com/Rrancois/petition.html
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Do you see how any of these vessels are fishing sustainable or in a conservation minded way
13 FEBRUARY 2006 - CAPE FUR SEALS - OLD FRIENDS
Mumkin jumping for joy - still not sure whether these flippers are meant for flying or swimming
5 Febr 06 www.canadianvoiceforanimals.org/SA_Feb5thUpdate.html
1 FEBRUARY 2006 - FARLEY MOWAT, SECURITY, 1ST SWIM, AND SHARK! - CLICK HERE PLEASE
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MONA LISA AND MUMKIN DRAWINGS BY JUDITH VAN DER WART CLICK HERE HOW TO RECEIVE THIS "MONA LISA" AND OTHER DRAWINGS
You can also go to: www.canadianvoiceforanimals.org/SAS_Paintings.html
SUNSET
28 JANUARY 2006 - SEASHEPHERD ONE HELL'VE ORG, WIND, SPECIALNESS AND NO FISH - CLICK HERE PLEASE
This is MUMKIN doing fine
24 JANUARY 2006 - SEAL TIME! - CLICK HERE PLEASE
Love time.
21 JANUARY 2006 - INSTINCT - WHAT A WONDERFUL THING - CLICK HERE PLEASE
22 JANUARY 2006 - WE DOING IT! FOR THE CAPE FUR SEALS - CLCK HERE
17 JANUARY 2006 - RE-AFFIRMATION, LOW FAT, HIGH PROTEIN DIET AND THE 3 'FARTING' MUSKAFLIPPERS - CLICK HERE PLEASE
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WISHES DO COME TRUE- SA SEALS 2006 ! - CLICK HERE
"Two is a couple, but three is a group. I had one wish for 2006, and that is to raise a group of seal pups, together. I have waited over 5 years for this, and hopefully this will happen. This makes introducing groups of rescued pups back to their original offshore islands now possible."
MUMKIN - MAX - MYRNA
9 JAN 06 The 3 'M' - Muskaflippers, the Seal Islands and a Seal Rescue a Day - click here
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24 December 2005 WISH BY FRANCOIS HUGO:
To all of you that have made it possible, to give these pups and seals some hope, this Christmas/holiday time, which as it turns out is also their "family" time, may I on their behalf thank you deeply from the bottom of my heart and soul.
May you all have a great Christmas break, and my best wishes will follow in my next update, before the end of 2005.
You have given this specie of seal, hope, from thousands of miles away, and there can be no greater "gift" than the "Gift of Life" - Thank You for this.
For the Seals
Francois Hugo - Seal Alert-SA
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A BETTER WORLD - I AM TRYING - I AM ON MY KNEES
Francois Hugo
sasealion@wam.co.za
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From: SealAlertSA sasealion@wam.co.za - date: Tue, 22 Nov 2005
Public Protector - Releases Official Report of my complaint in 2000.
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8 OCTOBER 2005 THE RIGHT STUFF - CAPE FUR SEAL BABY RESCUE PLAN CLICK HERE PLEASE
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17 DECEMBER 2005 - DAY 31 INTO BABY SEAL PUP RESCUE - SURVIVABILITY
CLICK HERE PLEASE
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13 DECEMBER 2005: My phone rang, my contact in the City Cleaning refuse department that previously used to chase the pups into the water that stranded, where they would either drown or die, called to say, whilst there was lots of dead pups washed ashore, he had found one live pup.
This little chap less than 4 days old, possibly younger, as we known their umbrical tube dries and falls off after 4 days, is a real fighter. Sound asleep, after his long and terrifying swim to shore, on the way back , he soon fitted in very well with the rest of the group, although slightly underweight.
I would therefore like to give this opportunity to Earle Bingley of Canadian Voice for Animals Canada to name this dear, confused little pup. Earle, who months ago respond to a single email, has done so much to further the cause of these Cape Fur Seals, with so little, if he was paid for his time, he would be a millionaire many times over, Earle proves one thing, "where there's a will there is a way".
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10 DECEMBER 2005 SEAL ALERT-SA RESCUES 3RD - 4TH AND 5TH BABY SEAL CLICK HERE
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4 DECEMBER 2005 MORNING STROLL ON THE BEACH CLICK HERE
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25 NOV 05 CLICK HERE - "MUMKIN" SECOND RESCUED BABY SEAL - FROM ELANDS BAY
AND INFORMATION ABOUT THE BOAT TO COME
"So, my wonderful, wonderful seal friends - We did it, not only did we get the Seals their first baby Seal Rescue Boat, but we are now able, to respond to any seal needing our help anywhere along 4000 km of coastline, by road or by boat, in good weather and bad, in cold waters or rough. From baby new born seals to big alpha bulls the pride of the species, and it is all thanks to YOU.
WE have jetski's, boats, vehicles and wetsuits, we are equipped." Francois Hugo - Seal Alert-SA
20 NOV 2005 CLICK HERE:
"Francois, go and get the Seals their boat."
SO THE BOAT IS SOON REALITY THANKS TO BERYL SCOTT OF "BEAUTY WITHOUT CRUELTY"-SA
BY THEIR R100 000 DONATION
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11 NOVEMBER 2005 WHAT OVERFISHING REALLY MEANS IN SOUTH AFRICA?
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23 NOVEMBER 2005 "SKY" FIRST BABY SEAL OF THE SEASON - RESCUED AND SAD NEWS ABOUT IT
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link to power point show:
15 OCTOBER 2005 www.canadianvoiceforanimals.org/files/rightstuffpps.pps
04 OCTOBER 2005 www.canadianvoiceforanimals.org/SASMadness_In_South_Africa.html
www.canadianvoiceforanimals.org/files/DEATH_OF_CAPE_FUR_SEALS_PPS.pps
ALL: www.canadianvoiceforanimals.org/SealAlert_SlideShows.html
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FLIPPER
27 OCTOBER 05 THE WORST SEAL RESCUE DAY IN MY LIFE - SEAL ALERT - SA
"In his death, will come life and lots of it."
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WEB SITE FRANCOIS HUGO FOR THE CAPE FUR SEALS SOUTH AFRICA:
www.canadianvoiceforanimals.org/SASealAlert_Index.html
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8 NOV 05 CONTACT WAS NEEDED BY SEAL-VETERINARIANS-EXPERTS FOR ADVISE ON EYE BLINDNESS CAPE FUR SEALS SOUTH AFRICA
CLICK HERE
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BABY SEAL MONA LISA RECOVERING
28 OCTOBER 2005: Mona Lisa, The Rescue, The Treatment and her second stage slow return to the wild.
She clearly has lost her mom, very early in her young life. She would have been born around December last year, and in all probability suckled from her mom, who then got shot or drowned in a trawl net. Where Mona Lisa was left pre-mature to fend for herself from about 5 -6 months. She struggled, injured her flipper and infection set-in, and with her starvation (as she was still on mother's milk)and infection growing, grew weak and finally abandoned her home, her island, having given up that her mother will never return. She was close to death when rescued, and was about 50% underweight. In the wild, around now, she would have weaned herself off her mom, but some seal pups take longer, until 12 or 15 months. As Mona Lisa, has lost this and has had only 6-months about of parental guidance and knowledge, she will take longer to slowly learn the tools needed to survive, which by the way, she is doing very well with, with my helping help and morning feeds now only. Unlike most seals, Mona Lisa has a strong liking for expensive deep water fish called snoek, most other seals can be rehabbed on cheaper pilchards. Mona-Lisa's daily snoek food bill is R70. Two humans can eat out at a restaurant for that price. In total with vets bills, medication and feed, it has cost me over R7000 to save her little life, and she is worth every single cent. She has got such a bounce in her step or should I say flipper, that she now just bursts with energy and just loves being alive. It is so rewarding to have helped her in this mad and totally cruel world, that she grew up in. I am now Mona Lisa's adopted Mom or Dad, we are and will be joined for life, and I will watch carefully over her progress as she grows into a adult seal or lady, and one day has a baby of her own. Life willing she will have my helping hand whenever she needs it, to defend or protect her or even to help her again through another difficult time in her life.
This is the spirit of true seal rehabilitation, and only possible in the wild and where the seal is given the choice, to be adopted or go off and do their own thing.
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ONE OF HIS FAVOURITES
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Saving the Seals of South Africa - Please read all the text below!!! Let's keep them busy with mail to:
The Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism : Mr Martinus Van Schalkwyk (Personal assistant) mwillemse@deat.gov.za
Legal Official at MCM - Marius Diemont - mdiemont@iafrica.com
More Addresses can be found see below and at:
www.canadianvoiceforanimals.org/SASealAlert2.html
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THIS HAPPENS EVERY YEAR - TIME IS COMING VERY CLOSE - PLEASE HELP
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"THE CAPE FUR SEALS, WHICH ARE FOUND NOWHERE ELSE ON EARTH AT THE TIP OF AFRICA, AND HAVE EVOLVED OVER MILLIONS OF YEARS - NEED ALL YOUR HELP!.
Under International Common Law, Cape Fur Seals are defined as "res nullius", which means, as wildlife, they have no owner. I have seen things no human should be forced to see in 10 lifetimes. Imagine watching 150 abandoned baby seals, starving after their mothers were chased away, because of sealing disturbance, wander off all together in one big group, deep into the hot dry desert, imagine having to watch a marine mammal who only knows the sea and how to waddle off deep into a desert trying to survive, a desert known as the Skeleton coast of Namibia, in search of food or their mother's in-land, with only a slow death awaiting them all. When you have seen this, not even tears help. Hence why we have to do what we do", Francois Hugo SA
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CAPE TOWN 19 September 2005
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LETTER SENT 20 SEPT 05 TO IFAW/SPCA OFFSHORE SEAL REHABILITATION FACILITY BY MR FRANCOIS HUGO
LETTER SENT 16 SEPT 2005 TO IFAW SA MR JASON BELL BY MARCHIG ANIMAL WELFARE TRUST MR LES WARD
ANSWER BY MR JASON BELL IFAW SOUTH AFRICA 21SEPT05 LETTER TO MARCHIG ANIMAL WELFARE TRUST MR LES WARD - IFAW SAYS NO!!! READ THEIR ANSWER AND STAY ASKING!!!
SUPPORT LETTER TO IFAW SOUTH AFRICA SENT 20 SEPT 05
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PROOF - NO HOAX - SILENCE !
FRANCOIS HUGO OF SEAL ALERT-SA GOING TO IFAW MULTI-MILLION RAND BUILDING
TO REPORT THE MASS DEATH OF SEALS ALONG COASTLINE
AS SEEN ON NATIONAL SABC TELEVISION
PROOF DIRECTOR OF IFAW-SA IS AWARE OF THE MASS UNNATURAL DEATH OF CAPE FUR SEALS
THIS WAS OVER 12 MONTHS AGO
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" THE SHAME OF A SOCIETY
SHOW ME ANY PLACE IN THE WORLD WHERE A SOCIETY WOULD STAND BY AND LEAVE 8000 DOGS OR CATS TO DROWN OR STARVE TO DEATH WITHIN ONE WEEK ON ONE BEACH. THIS HAPPENS EVERY SINGLE YEAR NOT FROM OVER-POPULATION OR STORMS BUT BECAUSE OF BEING FORCED TO BRED ON TINY AWASH ROCKS
SICK - SICK - SICK !
LOOK BELOW AT PIC, ISLAND ON THE LEFT BOTTOM IS (250 -TIMES) BIGGER THAN
THEIR PRESENT ISLAND. IT IS NAMED AFTER THEM. IT WAS THEIR ORIGINAL BIRTH PLACE. A WORLD HERITAGE SITE. BANNED TO THEM. EXTINCT TO THEM
BUT NOT FERAL CATS, BUCK, BIRDS OR OSTRICH
SINCE 1999 SEAL ALERT-SA HAS INFORMED IFAW ABOUT THIS IFAW RECEIVES US$ 77 MILLION OR R462 MILLION RAND EACH YEAR HOW MUCH HAVE THEY SPENT ON SAVING THE SEALS IN SOUTH AFRICA OVER THE PAST SEVEN YEARS
IFAW HAS 2.5 MILLION SUPPORTERS - 10 000 OF THEM SOUTH AFRICANS
BUT PLEASE - LETS RATHER WORRY ABOUT PUTTING OR NOT AN EX-IFAW SUPPORTER ON A LETTER"
8000 BABY PUP SEAL WASHED ASHORE IN ONE WEEK IN DECEMBER 2000 ON THE COASTLINE OPPOSITE SEAL ISLAND
The silence from everyone is deafening ?
Perhaps I should make things a little clearer :
* The SPCA claimed in 12 months in 2000. To have taken in;
* No new-born baby seals
* 8 Yearling pups
* 35 Adult Seals
* Seal Alert-SA rescues 350 - 1000 without facilities, single-handed and no funding !
* Yet, Namibian Ministry announced 300 000 had starved to death; 60 000 clubbed to death; 7000 bulls shot just for their penises; 8000 new-born baby seals washed ashore off Seal Island in False Bay, less than 10 kilometres from SPCA in Grassy Park, (as many as 40 000 drowned and washed off the rocks in SA alone), and untold number of thousands of seals were shot, drowned in trawl nets and starved to death.
* The SPCA is well funded by a government lottery, members, grants, donations etc and has been going for over 100 years and is part of 130 SPCA's in South Africa alone.
* With all this, plus a worldwide network of SPCA's. SPCA wanted R3 million or US$500 000, in funding just to build a building for Seal Rescue.
* IFAW nearly fell over themselves to give them the funds, even funding seals being kept in dog's cages, amongst deadly diseased dogs in the most diseased facility in the Western Cape. SPCA Grassy Park.
I hear total silence from everybody, no letters of outrage to IFAW - silence. Nothing from the Ministry or Press. Total and complete Silence ?
Disappointed!
Francois.
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REACTION: on 9/14/05 Sue Crevald at screvald@rmbp.co.za wrote:
Hi All, I would like to respond to you all after reading your mails. I have lived in Hout Bay for some years now and very recently I met Francois - him being the ONLY person to come to my assistance when I found an exhausted seal pup on Hout Bay beach while walking my dogs . He was truly amazing and I then met him on the pier to find out more about his work and the seals and how I can best assist Seal Alert with their struggle. So here I am now on board and will continue to help where ever I can. Hopefully I will be able to meet you all one day - meantime I am pushing the petition along in the corporate world !!!
Best Regards Sue
Sue Crevald, Cape Town - Fax: (021) 418 - 2249
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6 September 05 - LETTER TO MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT AFFAIRS AND TOURISM MR M VAN SCHALKWYK BY MR G. PIEKAAR PROVINCIAL REPRESENTATIVE: WESTERN CAPE
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INTERNATIONAL INVESTIGATIVE REPORT NEEDED
*.*.*.*.*.*
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Reaction 9/16/05 Captain Paul Watson Sea Shepherd seashepherd@seashepherd.org wrote:
Sea Shepherd E-News
"I also want to let you know about another place where seals are in danger - this time in South Africa. Long-time friend of Sea Shepherd, Francois Hugo, has been working as Seal Alert - South Africa to stop the senseless slaughter of the beautiful Cape fur seals. He is trying to gather a petition to the government and also to raise USD$18,000 to purchase a 24' long by 15' wide catamaran. It will be used as a floating platform that can house rehabilitation equipment, freezer, liquidizer, etc. It will allow Francois to stay abroad for 24-7, and is big enough to accommodate 50 to 100 seals needing rehab. You can read about his campaigns on our Seal Alert Page www.seashepherd.org/news/media_050819_1.html , view slide shows of the Cape Fur seals, learn how to sign the petition, and support his work with a financial donation.
As you can see, we have many battles to wage. Your participation is crucial for the defenseless marine animals we work to protect and I thank you for your continued support.
Captain Paul Watson"
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SCROLL DOWN FOR MORE ADDRESSES TO WRITE TO AND LATEST NEWS
CLICK HERE FOR LETTER 11 aug 05
For more info
www.canadianvoiceforanimals.org/The_Seal_Slaughter.html in this site scroll down for new power point show. It's a large file so be patient while it downloads.
You can see some pictures at the end of this page of www.actionagainstpoisoning.com - cry for help.
4 OCTOBER BABY CAPE FUR SEAL RESCUE PLAN
CONTINUED
CLICK HERE FOR UPDATE 6 - 6 September 05
CLICK HERE FOR UPDATE 3 - 14 August 05
CLICK HERE FOR UPDATE 2 - 8 August 05
CLICK HERE FOR UPDATE 1 - 1 August 05
17 August 2005:
NAMIBIA HAS STARTED TO CLUB 60 000, 8-MONTH BABY CAPE FUR SEALS AND IN DECEMBER WHEN COMPLETE WILL BEGIN SHOOTING 7000 BULLS FOR THEIR PENISES - NO PRESS - NO OUTRAGE - TOTAL SILENCE
With your help . . . . . .and their immense power and strength, we can move oceans of government policies. Francois.
August 15 2005
"each day more and more seals are being illegally shot, the last within a public place a few days ago, Hout Bay harbour, by sportfishermen, whose employees refuse to lay a charge for fear of losing their jobs. The Hout Bay police Commissioner when contacted by me, stated it is not unlawful to witness a crime, and not report it. Without a statement of a witness and evidence, he can do nothing."
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CLICK HERE FOR SAMPLE LETTER
SEND LETTERS TO
Mister Marthinus Van Schalkwyk
Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
Fax: +27 -21 465-3216 Tel: +27 -21 465-7240 via
- ADV HELEN VENTER HEAD OF MINISTRY via Cynthia Lenders CLenders@deat.gov.za
- personal assistant Marika Willemse mwillemse@deat.gov.za
Mister Marius Diemont
Special Adviser/Legal Consultant Marine & Coastal Management
Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
7th floor Foretrust Building
Martin Hammerschlag Way
Foreshore Cape Town 8001
Tel: +27-82 3333992/27-214023182
Email: mdiemont@deat.gov.za/
mdiemont@iafrica.com
Minister of Safety and Security : bloemb@saps.org.za ; peternk@saps.org.za
Public Protectors Office : Advocate Gary Pienaar : garyp@pprotect.org or maggpie@mweb.co.za
MCM Legal Representative : Marius Diemont - mdiemont@iafrica.com
Media : Mnet Carte Blanche - contact@carteblanche.co.za ;
Editor of ETV NEWS - Andy.Duffy@etv.co.za ;
Reporter of the Weekend Argus - Helenb@incape.co.za ;
Letters Editor of the Weekend Argus - wealet@ctn.independent.co.za ;
Cape Times - ctletters@ctn.independent.co.za ;
Mail & Guardian - Fiona Mc Cloud - fionm@mg.co.za ; truth@sabc.co.za ;
50/50 wildlife program - vanderwaltdf@sabc.co.za ;
Argus - John Yeld - jyeld@ctn.independent.co.za
open letter to Minister by Francois Hugo 8 august 05
letter to Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism by veterinarian PRESIDENT OF VITA-RUSSIA MOSCOW 12 AUG
letter to Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism by ADVISOR! to SEA SHEPHERD here in CAPE TOWN
letter to Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism by AAP
letter to Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism by CANADIAN VOICE FOR ANIMALS
letter to editor by IFAW SOUTH AFRICA
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BABY SEAL
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Check out www.rescuewithoutborders.org
What we are talking about is a general disregard for the rule of law. It is the way of the Third World. Laws are not obeyed as a natural aspect of a lack of respect for an ordered society. It's why our society does not function with any kind of standards. It's why chaos rules. It's why people starve. It's why most of Africa suffers human degradation. It's why gangs and lawlessness thrive.--Johny Rodrigues Chairman for Zimbabwe Conservation Task Force
English www.seals.gen.tr/ - Turkish www.foklar.gen.tr/
THANK YOU TURKEY FOR YOUR FAST AND BIG RESPONSE
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CLOSE
LOVE
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Please read this click on: LEST WE PLEAD IGNORANCE
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LETTERS REQUEST FOR ENVIRONMENTAL NOMINATION
BY AAP FOR THE CAPE FUR SEALS REQUEST FOR ENVIRONMENTAL NOMINATION sent 12 aug 05 and BY THE WINSOME CONSTANCE KINDNESS TRUST sent 16 aug 05
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Helen Bamford, a reporter for the Weekend Argus Newspaper wrote the following article on the 23rd July 2005 - "Plea to ban guns being taken on sea fishing trips". Mike Meyer an official tasked with protecting Cape Fur Seals from the department of Marine and Coastal Management had the following comment "They were powerless to prevent skippers taking weapons to sea because it was their constitutional right"
The shooting of Cape Fur Seals at sea, has a long and sad history. Beginning with the first European explorer to our shores in 1497. Vasco Da Gama the famous Portuguese explorer was reported to have fired his ship's cannon on seal colony off Mossel Bay for no apparent reason. So began the era of seal abuse in South Africa. As more and more seafarers arrived at the Cape, more and more seal colonies were attacked, evolving slowly into the commercial harvest of seal pups for their skins and large bulls for their genitalia. By the start of the 1900's, millions and millions of seals had been slaughtered, all the offshore island seal colonies over 3000 km of coastline had slowly been exterminated, this species of seal had become virtually extinct.
In 1897 the seals received their first legal protection, but as we see, the leaders of our country are as much a part of the problem as the seal killing skipper fisherman. On the 25th March 1911, Noel Janisch, Provincial Secretary of the Cape wrote, "A party of about 30 members of Parliament have arranged to go on a steamer to Saldanha . . . . they are anxious to have a little sport amongst the porpoises and seals along the way. Application is therefore made for a special permit to shoot some of these animals during the trip."
Victims of senseless shootings, left to rot on our public beaches,
some with their heads blown off with shot-guns, the weapon of choice.
In 1973, the Cape Fur Seals became protected under the Sea Birds and Seals Protection Act no.46 and it became a criminal offence to "pursue or shoot at or wilfully disturb, kill or capture a seal. After years of campaigning for an updated Seal Protection Act, the Department of Environmental Affairs in March 2004, gazetted and released it's new draft policy on the Seals and Seabirds Protection Act. It now states, Killing of Seals (3.1.1.10) - Policy will general prohibit the killing of seals, and Incidental capture by fisheries (3.1.1.3) - Restrictions will be implemented on the use or carrying of fire-arms, ammunition or explosives abroad fishing vessels, with a view to the control of the illegal shooting of seals at sea.
On behalf of Seal Alert-SA in 2001, advocate Gary Pienaar of the Public Protectors Office raised the question with MCM's Dr Jeremy David (He has since retired). The official rely from Dr David's was as follows "Guns are required by fishing companies and skippers to be taken to sea, in order to keep unruly crew in order and because of sea-pirates".
In 2002, Debra Patta of 3rd Degree E-TV in the program titled "Who is butchering our Seals", put the question to Deputy Director of MCM, Horst Kleinschmidt, who stated "That MCM is aware of this problem, is totally opposed to fisherman shooting seals".
In a debate letter to the Cape Times by Horst Kleinschmidt in 2003, he wrote "Some fishers shoot seals, injurying or killing them. We are equally opposed to such conduct. They do this believing that seals consume catches they feel are theirs. Their behaviour is uninformed and demands unequivocal condemnation. We prosecute if wild animals on land are shot at or trapped. The same holds true for seals. If anyone shoots at seals, we will prosecute. We do not condone conduct of this kind and ask people to come forward with evidence of this".
In the Weekend Argus in 2004, "Trigger-happy fisherman target seals". The article states "Fisherman who shot seals almost always used shotguns - and often out of sight of other boats and witnesses on land - so even where a suspect could be identified and the pellets recovered, it was impossible to link the killing ballastically to a specific weapon." The carcasses sometimes washed up long after the seals have been shot. "Ninety-nine percent of the time it is a shotgun they use," Marine and Coastal Management Port Elizabeth station manager Eugene Swart said. "it is not accidental, they are shooting at these seals deliberately but it is not easy to track down the culprits".
There are approximately 2900 licenced South African Fishing boats, of which 2500 are Handline boats. It is these skippers in this handline fishing industry that are the most notorious, for shooting seals illegally, although almost all fishing skippers throughout the industry are known to be involved in this unacceptable criminal activity, skippers from big trawler fleets, deep sea trawlers, in-shore and mid-water trawlers, long line boats, ski-boats and sportsfisherman.
Although the seals have been protected for over 34-years, and hundreds if not thousands of seals have been illegally shot year after year, not one single fisherman has ever been arrested or convicted for shooting a seal. A simple assessment of the potential gravity of this situation in South African waters, can be obtained by reviewing the seal population surveys for the same period, on assessment it found that over the past 30-odd years, over One Million Seals have disappeared without sound scientific explanation, with 42 000 seal pups being born in 1971 on the offshore islands in South Africa, and after 26-years, the seal population has not only shown no growth, but has actually decline to 40 000 seal pups being born in 1997.
The statement in the press by the official tasked with protecting seals is clearly wrong, for in the Constitution of South Africa, no mention is made of guns. However under the Bill of Rights it clearly states, Environment, everyone has the right a) to an environment that is not harmful to their health or well-being; and b) to have the environment protected, for the benefit of present and future generations, through reasonable legislative and other measures that ii) promote conservation.
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MCM official setting a fine example, killing a stranded marine mammal instead of rescuing it.
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I therefore ask that the following Sample Letter being copied (or a letter of your choice) and to send it to the following email addresses.
For the Seals Francois Hugo - Seal Alert-SA
CLICK HERE FOR SAMPLE LETTER
letters to:
Mister Marthinus Van Schalkwyk
Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
Fax: +27 -21 465-3216 Tel: +27 -21 465-7240 via
- ADV HELEN VENTER HEAD OF MINISTRY via Cynthia Lenders CLenders@deat.gov.za
- personal assistant Marika Willemse mwillemse@deat.gov.za
Public Protector - Advocate Gary Pienaar - garyp@pprotect.org
Editor of ETV NEWS - Andy.Duffy@etv.co.za
Reporter of the Weekend Argus - Helenb@incape.co.za
Letters Editor of the Weekend Argus - wealet@ctn.independent.co.za
Legal Official at MCM - Marius Diemont - mdiemont@iafrica.com
From: SealAlertSA sasealion@wam.co.za
Date: Thursday, July 28, 2005
ANOTHER YOUNG SEAL DISCOVERED SHOT IN SOUTH AFRICA
YOUNG SEAL SHOT IN THE LEFT HAND SIDE OF NECK AND LEFT TO SUFFER
Less than 4-days after Helen Bamford's article "Plea to ban guns on fishing trips to sea" in the Weekend Argus, another young Cape fur seal bull has been discovered shot. Once again since Sunday, dozens upon dozens of ski-boat snoek fishermen have been leaving Hout Bay for the shoals of snoek running off Hout Bay, and once again protected seals, are the victims.
Clearly, even though the Seal Island off Hout Bay, recently became a marine sanctuary and a no fishing zone, the ineffectiveness in providing protection for this species is only too evident.
Seal Alert-SA has sent a letter to Minister Van Schalkwyk requesting an urgent meeting and is still awaiting a reply. The shooting of seals is a criminal offence, yet Marine and Coastal Management not only continues to licence these criminal fisherman, but refuses to ban guns during fishing, or introduce a regulation to this effect. Seal Alert-SA has therefore started an international campaign for "Gun Free Fishing", and has asked the international community to write to our Minister and voice their concern.
Over 1 million seals have disappeared in SA waters over the past 30-years, without sound scientific reason. The seal population in the Cape, has shown no growth since first being counted in 1971. Something is clearly killing off these protected seals, and I suspect seal shootings are far more wide spread than the general public realise, and if it is endangering the conservation of seals, then this is against the Bill of Rights in the Constitution.
With over 2900 licenced fishing skippers, their potential to wreak seal conservation havoc, is immense.
I simply cannot understand why the Minister will not ban guns during fishing, and instead allows less than 3000 licenced fishing skippers to hold 42 million South Africans to ransom.
PLEASE SEND YOUR CONCERNS TO: MINISTER OF THE DEPARTMENT ENVIRONMENT AFFAIRS AND TOURISM - MARTHINUS VAN SCHALKWYK (PERSONAL ASSISTANT) mwillemse@deat.gov.za
For the Seals
Francois Hugo Seal Alert-SA
021-790 8774
Earle Bingley of the Canadian Voice for Animals, has kindly set-up a web-page, where you can go to see the latest campaign newsletters, you can also view and write a comment in the guest book at:www.canadianvoiceforanimals.org/SASealAlert_Index.html For the Seals, Francois Hugo Seal Alert-SA
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