Harbour Porpoise, Harbour Seals and Grey Seals all frollicking in the Thames, in London.. yes, really.

These guys are swimming around in the Thames!

Conservationists from the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) have created the Thames Marine Mammal Code of Conduct in time for the peak summer season to improve awareness general well-being, and protection of the river’s flippered residents launched on the 3 July 2014

A harbour seal, chillin' if you see me tweet #inthethames

The code provides practical tips on what to do if a seal or porpoise is spotted in the water or on land, helping members of the public, recreational boat users and commercial users of the Thames make the most of their wildlife encounters without disturbing any marine mammals.

Maybe little known the Thames Estuary is home to more than 650 harbour seals and 200 grey seals. Seals spend some of their time hauled out on sand banks or mudflats where they breed, moult their fur coats, and rest and it's then that are often spotted by the public.

But these marine mammals are being disturbed by boats or by people doing water sports, or stressed by dogs.

ZSL and Conservationists believe that many of these incidents result from the public being unaware of the presence of marine mammals in and around the estuary.

Joanna Barker, Conservation Scientist at ZSL said: “Many people are surprised to discover that marine mammals like seals and porpoises are found in the Thames. We hope that the code of conduct will raise awareness of their presence and enable people to enjoy them from a safe distance.”

The code recommends;

Keeping at least 100 metres away from any marine mammal seen in the water, as they are sensitive to noise.
Put dogs on a lead and leaving the area if seals are spotted hauled out, as seals may perceive a dog as a threat and become distressed.

Download the code of conduct via the ZSL website: www.zsl.org/marinemammals.

Hello, please dont let your dog at me, or hit me with your boat, I'm just moulting fur.

REPORT your sightings on : www.zsl.org/inthethames or with #inthethames

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