People urged to give Wally the walrus space as he relaxes on Isles of Scilly
Experts say he needs time and space to be able to rest and feed
People are being urged to give Wally the walrus space as he relaxes on the Isles of Scilly.
The gentle giant from the Artic ocean has been in the area for a number of weeks, after a brief visit to Cornwall.
Organisations have been monitoring his behaviour and implementing strategies to ensure his safety and also to limit the damage to people's property.
Wally the walrus is being 'disturbed' by boats and people off Isles of Scilly
The Cornwall Seal Group Research Trust is urging people to give him space and time so he can rest up and feed.
It is hoped he will then be able to make is 3.200km journey back home.
Safety advice:
✔️ Boat owners are strongly advised to stop the Walrus from hauling out on boats by blocking access with temporary barriers and obstructions;
✔️ It’s important that the purpose-built pontoon becomes the Walrus’ “safe space”. Something that he returns to, allowing him to rest, gain strength and ultimately leave Scilly to continue his journey home;
✔️ Please do not disturb the Walrus; keep your distance (a minimum of 50-100m);
✔️ When collecting/returning your boat to your moorings do so in a way that minimises disturbance to the Walrus on the pontoon;
✔️ Please do not divert your path, or set your course, to pass the Walrus closely, or move directly towards him.
"If he approaches vessels, owners should gently deflect him with an oar; boat owners have also been advised to take action and take all possible steps to make their boats more difficult for him to board. We have collectively decided, with the support of the Harbour Office of St Mary's, that when he hauls out onto the Star of Life ambulance boat, he can be left to rest. If there is a callout, he has been shown to get off the vessel, so not impacting the boat's ability to serve the community’s emergency needs. Allowing him to remain on the Star of Life reduces potential damage to other vessels which is a key aim of our dynamic risk assessment procedures.
"BDMLR and the Harbour Authority have constructed a specific customised pontoon replicating his apparent need for physical contact. His scent has been used on it to encourage him to feel safe. The aim is to test to see if he will use it and to encourage him to opt for this rather than the Star of Life (or any other vessel). It has been moored close to the Walrus’ preferred haul out in the hope that he will choose this as a “better option”.
"Since the pontoons deployment the Walrus has found it and has now returned to it on a number of occasions in between feeding excursions. The situation is being monitored and it may be possible to re-locate the pontoon outside the harbour area to reduce disturbance and enable him to rest more effectively.
"In the meantime all boats owners and water users have been asked to give the Walrus space and refrain from actively moving towards him, but the temptation has proved too strong for many. The Walrus is a highly protected species and disturbance of this nature is a criminal offence. Even a lift of the head means his rest has been interrupted. Please stay away from him."
Cornwall Seal Group Research Trust