Ministry urging villagers not to harm the seal found in Beqa

The Ministry of Fisheries is urging villagers in Beqa to refrain from harming the seal that has been found in Rukua Village.

The seal has travelled a long way away from its natural habitat.

Marine scientists at the Massey University in New Zealand have confirmed through the pictures sent to them by the Ministry that the mammal is mainly found around Southern Australia and New Zealand.

Other experts have confirmed that the sighted seal is a sub adult male identified as a New Zealand Fur Seal.

Director of Fisheries Neomai Ravitu says that experts have suggested that Fur Seals are known to go astray and end up in far- fetched locations for various reasons.

Ravitu says it could have been swept in by currents as they sometimes like to explore and end up in strange places as they are also a little adventurous.

She says it is recommended that we have a ‘hands off’ approach to seals.

Ravitu says they are resilient and given time and space, they usually find their way home.

Experts have further recommended that people keep 20 metres away from seals and not to get between them and the sea.