Below you will find the guidelines from the IFCN.
The Seal that seems to be visiting different areas along the south east coast today surprised bathers under the runway today.
While the seal appears comfortable in human proximity, the IFCN advises maintaining a respectful distance from these mammals. If you encounter a seal while swimming, please calmly exit the water. It is crucial not to feed or attempt to touch seals, as they should not become reliant on human interaction for their survival.
Thanks to Petr for the videos.
In Madeira, the local guidelines come directly from the IFCN (Instituto das Florestas e Conservação da Natureza) and specifically protect the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus), known locally as the lobo-marinho (sea wolf). Because it is the rarest seal species in the world, the regional guidelines are highly specific and depend entirely on your situation.
Here is exactly what the IFCN advises depending on where you encounter one:
1. If You Are on Land
Do not enter the water: If you spot a monk seal in the sea while you are still on the shore or a beach, wait for the animal to swim away before going in.
Keep your distance: Maintain a safety buffer of at least 5 meters if you are on the coast, or 50 meters if you are observing from a boat or designated viewpoint platform.
Minimize disturbance: Keep completely quiet, avoid sudden movements, and never allow pets (like dogs) to approach the animal.
2. If You Are Swimming or Snorkeling
Exit the water calmly: If a monk seal approaches you while you are swimming, move smoothly and quietly toward the shore and step out of the water.
Avoid contact: Never attempt to touch, swim toward, or interact with the seal.
3. If You Are Doing Water Sports (Paddleboarding, Kayaking, etc.)
Do not approach: Maintain your trajectory away from the animal.
Back away if they interact: If the seal actively approaches your kayak or board out of curiosity, do not panic. Avoid sudden paddle splashes, calmly navigate away, and head back to land.
4. Special Situations (Caves & Fishing)
Sea Caves (Grutas): If you enter a coastal cave and realize a monk seal is inside, turn around and exit the cave as quickly and quietly as possible. Caves are critical resting and breeding sanctuaries for them.
Fishing & Spearfishing: If you are fishing or spearfishing and a monk seal shows interest in your catch, release the fish immediately. Do not fight the animal for it, as this can cause dangerous entanglement or defensive behavior.
Report Your Sighting: The IFCN tracks the local population closely to assist in their conservation. If you spot a lobo-marinho, you should report the date, time, location, and behavior to the IFCN via www.lobomarinhomadeira.com
If the animal appears injured, entangled, or is actively being harassed, immediately call the regional wildlife emergency hotline (Rede SOS Vida Selvagem) at +351 961 957 545.
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