Grey seals: life on the edge
Project Leader: Jacquie Cozens
Background
Grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) are a large part of Celtic legend and have been revered in Ireland until recent times, with many people believing they were able to take human shape and live on land as Selkies, or “people of the sea”. There is still a great deal of ignorance regarding their natural history and in modern times they are often considered a nuisance: vermin responsible for low fish catches that should be eradicated.
With assistance from SOSF, filmmaker Jacquie Cozens spent 12-months filming the colony of grey seals on Blasket Island in County Kerry, on the west coast of Ireland. The resulting film, Grey seals: life on the edge, has been adapted as a short story that is intended to inspire and educate children about seals in particular, and the marine ecosystem in general.
In the adapted version, one of the survivors, a small pup called Charlie tells of a year in his life, from his birth as a helpless white bundle, through to adulthood with all the hazards he and the other seals face along the way. Children see that rather than being a pest blamed for low fish catches, seals have a place in the environment and should be valued as an important part of the marine ecosystem. In this way it is hoped that children will become advocates for the seals and will influence their peers and their families. They will be told about ways that they can actively help seals by, for example, visiting their local seal sanctuary, being careful about disposing of litter or getting involved in seal releases.
With assistance from SOSF, filmmaker Jacquie Cozens spent 12-months filming the colony of grey seals on Blasket Island in County Kerry, on the west coast of Ireland. The resulting film, Grey seals: life on the edge, has been adapted as a short story that is intended to inspire and educate children about seals in particular, and the marine ecosystem in general.
In the adapted version, one of the survivors, a small pup called Charlie tells of a year in his life, from his birth as a helpless white bundle, through to adulthood with all the hazards he and the other seals face along the way. Children see that rather than being a pest blamed for low fish catches, seals have a place in the environment and should be valued as an important part of the marine ecosystem. In this way it is hoped that children will become advocates for the seals and will influence their peers and their families. They will be told about ways that they can actively help seals by, for example, visiting their local seal sanctuary, being careful about disposing of litter or getting involved in seal releases.
Film goals
The film is aimed at 8-11 year olds and is written in a fun way, using the seal’s natural charisma and playfulness to bring the story to life for young people. The DVD is being distributed free to children’s groups, environmental groups and schools. Most importantly the film has also been accepted by the Irish Teacher’s Union for use in schools throughout the country.
The colony that was filmed by Jacquie was subjected to a massive and illegal cull in 2004 and is still potentially on the edge of survival unless immediate measures are put in place to properly protect it. It is hoped that another event such as this can be prevented by influencing young people and increasing their understanding of grey seals.
The colony that was filmed by Jacquie was subjected to a massive and illegal cull in 2004 and is still potentially on the edge of survival unless immediate measures are put in place to properly protect it. It is hoped that another event such as this can be prevented by influencing young people and increasing their understanding of grey seals.