British Divers Marine Life Rescue

The Wildlife Trusts are calling on everyone to join a giant wave of support for 41 new Marine Conservation Zones. BDMLR recognises just how important the designation of these areas are to protect them from damaging development.
The Wildlife Trusts have launched a new campaign – #WaveOfSupport – to give everyone across the country the chance to back 41 new Marine Conservation Zones and protect our part of the Blue Planet around the English coast.
Recently, the government launc...hed a consultation asking the public for their views about protecting a new group of Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs) – areas at sea where wildlife is protected from damaging activities.
None of these places will be designated unless there is public support for their protection. That’s why we are all urging the public to have their say and join a giant #WaveOfSupport calling for all potential MCZs to be recognised and protected.
Please lend your voice to this call for conservation.
Deadline: Friday 20 July 2018 The e-action can be completed here www.wildlifetrusts.org/waveofsupport
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Spaces still available on the following June/July Marine Mammal Medic Courses, booking to be done through our website:
Eyemouth - Sunday 15th July Margate - Sunday 22nd July

You will probably know that BDMLR played an active role in closing down dolphinaria in the UK in the 1990s and plays a part within the Dolphinaria-Free Europe coalition. This group of concerned charities now has a new website at http://dfe.ngo/ Please have a look and give your support to end the barbaric practice of taking away the freedom of sea mammals.

This May bank holiday weekend was anything but relaxing for two of our awesome volunteer Marine Mammal Medics on Saturday afternoon, when a report came in to the BDMLR hotline of a harbour porpoise stranded on mudflats at Arnside, Cumbria.
Area Coordinator Sarah Neill, along with Medic and vet Marisol Collins, raced to the scene following the callout and were joined by Arnside & South Lakes Coastguard Rescue Team and Morecambe RNLI Hover Station crew in a combined effort to r...escue the helpless animal.
On assessment, the porpoise was found to be a female and in relatively good health. She responded well to the first aid that was given to her by the rescue team, so therefore the decision was made to attempt a refloat out in Morecambe Bay – easier said than done considering the large areas of mudflats here! With the RNLI hovercraft on hand it was possible to load the porpoise and our Medics on board, who were continuing with providing first aid, keeping her comfortable and monitoring her breathing rate throughout the journey into deeper waters offshore for release.
Supervised by the RNLI team, Sarah and Marisol, along with RNLI crew members Antony Smith and Conor McIntyre, went overboard with the porpoise to attempt the refloat. They supported her between them in the water while she regained her balance, and as soon as she started to swim for herself again they let her go and watched as she strongly moved away from them and back out to sea again.
We would like to thank Sarah and Marisol for their outstanding efforts in rescuing this animal in a particularly challenging location, our Out Of Hours Coordinator Jo Collins for dealing with the incident over the phone and supporting the team on scene, and of course the excellent teams at Arnside and South Lakes Coastguard and Morecambe RNLI Hover Station, without whom the outcome of this incident could’ve turned out very differently. A brilliant piece of teamwork all round! Photos by Michael Greenough.
If anyone would like to train as a volunteer Marine Mammal Medic like Sarah and Marisol, we have many training days coming up around the country that anyone is welcome to join on to - please see our website training page to find out what the day involves and click the link in there to see the list of courses currently open for booking http://www.bdmlr.org.uk/index.php?page=tr aining-course
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You may have seen the documentary 'The Red Ape' on BBC2 yesterday. This follows the incredible work being done by International Animal Rescue in Borneo rescuing orangutans from the onslaught of the palm oil industry. Alan Knight, BDMLR's chair, is CEO of IAR and they donate office space to BDMLR. If you missed this emotional programme, you can catch up on iPlayer now. https://www.bbc.co.uk/…/natural-world-2 0182019-4-red-ape-sa…

Many thanks to WhaleFish for this great donation of much-needed supplies. Please check out their website at https://www.whalefish.org/ to learn more about the great work they do.

BDMLR Medics in Scotland were called into action last week after a harbour porpoise was reported stranded to our 24hr hotline - see the link for the full story. Well done to all those involved for trying their absolute best for the animal.
https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/†¦/porpoise-stranded-…

Every now and then something unusual pops up to surprise us, and last night it was the turn of this young bearded seal in the Outer Hebrides - the first one ever recorded in this area! Bearded seals are not native to the UK, usually being found about 1500 miles further North in the Arctic, but we do occasionally see individuals turn up on our shores. You can see where they get their name from with those fabulous whiskers!
This particular animal hauled out last night on the ...Isle of Harris, and was reported to our Out Of Hours Hotline Coordinator Teri Charlton, who requested the attendance of local Assistant Area Coordinator Sara Wood-Kwasniewska to check on it. Fortunately all appears to be okay and the animal was just out for a rest after a presumably very long swim from wherever it came from. Another check early this morning proved it to be quite a bit livelier and he/she soon waddled off back into the water to go elsewhere.
We'd like to thank Eilidh Campbell and Gordon MacDonald for reporting this into us, and BDMLR volunteers Sara and Teri for dealing with it. We'll continue to monitor the health of our special guest, but should you come across it we kindly ask that you keep a respectful distance to avoid disturbing the seal and allow it to rest.
Photo credits: Gordon MacDonald and Sara Wood-Kwasniewska.
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Still places left on the Scarborough Marine Mammal Medic course this weekend, Sunday 15th April. Booking needs to be done through the website www.bdmlr.org.uk

Very proud of Dan Jarvis from BDMLR and other organisations (but mainly BDMLR!) who yesterday was presented with the Mandy McMath ECS Conservation Award at the European Cetacean Society conference in Italy. Congratulations also to Tilen Genov who received the same award in a double-header. This shaky and dark (sorry!) video shows Mark Simmonds' superb preamble and Dan's acceptance speech. Apologies to Tilen, another worthy recipient but my phone cut out before the presentation was announced. Well done both - you both really deserve the recognition. Dan is on right and Tilen on the left in this photo. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JIeajvZN6 OE&t=273s

A few courses are up on line now for booking, as follows:
Apr 7: BDMLR MMM Course. Glasgow Vet School. Vets and vet students only. Contact BDMLR Apr 29: BDMLR MMM Course. Bangor, North Wales. Public. May 12: BDMLR MMM Course. Sutton-on-Sea, Lincolnshire. Public.... Jun 3: BDMLR MMM Course. Aberdeen. Public. Jun 16: BDMLR MMM Course. Musselburgh. Public. Jul 15: BDMLR MMM Course. Eyemouth, Borders. Public. Aug 4: BDMLR MMM Course. Inverness. Public. Details TBC. Sept 16: BDMLR MMM Course. Sandown, Isle of Wight. Public. Sept 22: BDMLR MMM Course. Tiree, Argyll & Bute. Public. Details TBC Oct 21: BDMLR MMM Course. Upminster, Essex. Public.
All are available for booking online apart from the vet course (book via the office) and the Inverness and Tiree course that we're awaiting final details on. Please see for more detials and follow the link from there to the booking page. Many thanks! :)
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Lincolnshire Marine Mammal Medic Course, Saturday 12th May, booking open now at www.bdmlr.org.uk

Due to the current weather conditions, the BDMLR office is currently closed. Please call 07787 433412 for rescues only. For the safety of our volunteers, it may not be possible for rescues to be undertaken in some areas of the UK.

Yesterday, BDMLR volunteers successfully refloated a common dolphin after a rather unusual journey! Check out the full story on our website by clicking on the link below. Well done team! :) http://www.bdmlr.org.uk/index.php…

Another BDMLR course has been posted on the website, this time near Upminster, Essex on October 21st. Although you'd think it may be a bit chilly then, in fact it's at an inland leisure lake so we can extend the training session a bit further. This is always a popular course, so if you would like to book on this one, please go to http://www.bdmlr.org.uk/index.php?page=tr aining-course and click the link two thirds down the page. If you see another course popping up that you'd like to transfer to, just give us a call at the office.

Please note that voting closes on March 5th. If you haven't already then please vote for BDMLR in the Conservation Success of the Year Category.
Great news! We've been nominated as one of the finalists in BBC Countryfile Magazine's 2018 Awards in the Conservation success of the Year category. We don't get much in the way of a prize but the award is prestigious and winning will help us in our cause. Please do vote for us by following the link below and clicking on the headline link just above the gold Awards logo to vote on this and all categories. Many thanks. :) http://www.countryfile.com/bbc-countryfil e-magazine-awards-…

We've popped another training course up on the website for booking. This will be on September 16th near Sandown on the Isle of Wight and is open for anyone 16 years old or more and you do not need to be a diver. More courses will follow soon! http://www.bdmlr.org.uk/index.php?page=tr aining-course

Photo of two BDMLR volunteers assessing a seal pup, taken by Nick Upton. Features on our current Seal Appeal page: https://www.justgiving.com/campaig…/cha rity/bdmlr/sealappeal

Our Seal Appeal has raised £2,648 to date so many thanks to all our donors - this is fantastic in such a short time. You can still donate on our JustGiving page and if you would like to become a fundraiser can do so by clicking the orange 'Start fundraising' button. Many thanks.https://www.justgiving.com/campaig …/charity/bdmlr/sealappeal

BDMLR is working with other organisations in London regarding marine mammals in the Thames.

What an amazing group after the RSPCA REFUSED TO COME OUT these guys were here within 25 mins

Thank you for all your help

These guys do an amazing job so privileged to have met them I think my daughter has a new calling

The work you do is so so important and you all do it really very well. Due to anthropogenic influences our Marine Life is being put under so much stress. It is our responsibility to ensure we do our very best to look after these creatures!! Thank you all for your hard work!!

The volunteer medics are the absolute best and will turn out in all weathers, at any time of day or night to help a marine animal in distress. As an out of hours co-ordinator, my hat off to you for all being so awesome, thank you!

Such good work

My first encounter today albeit a blow up model!! Great day training, found out so much and looking forward to helping out when needed.

Just spoke to a gentleman called Stephen about a cygnet in distress down Mounts Bay. He couldn´t have been more reassuring and helpful. Fingers (and feathers) crossed that they can help

I have a brother-in-law who does some of this work and it is so important during flooding and with sea disasters and rough seas. These people are to be commented for their efforts!!

Had a great day today in Stranraer doing the course great team of people from all walks of life comming together well done to all and a big thank you to the instructors.

Great course today in West Kirby ,loved every minute ! Good pace , practical sessions were very interesting and I feel ready to go out on my first rescue with confidence ! Thanks Stephen , you were ace !

Friendly, informative & very helpful. The team rescued an exhausted stranded seal pup from my local beach and I think most likely saved a life. Everyone was great & I'm so thankful for what you do.

Fantastic day spent with amazing, inspirational people!

Proud of becoming a Marine Mammal Medic, & wondering where it will take me ...

Thanks BDMLR, and see you soon! :-)

Emily, Alice and Ben came too rescue a poorly seal we found today. They let us watch them as they looked after the pup and Emily was awesome with keeping us informed and teaching us about the seals. Amazing job you do guys!! �

Did there course today , it was great , informative , fun and a great bunch of people , thank you , would advise anyone to sign up to the course

Did the training today and it was an amazing day I am now a marine medic�

Came across a seal this morning on Seaham promenade, it had various injuries on its body obviously had been roughed about a bit by the tide surge, I initially rang RSPCA who said it was not an emergency then came across contact No for BDMLR gave them a ring and they arranged for the seal to be collected, a young lady called Louise came out and assessed the seal although injured he was very feisty and moved fast and with ease, so the decision was to leave it where it was and would go back in the water at night tide, went down later and it had in fact gone back into the water.

I have to say I was impressed in how quick the BDMLR reacted and attended the seal especially with the horrendous conditions at the moment.

Thank you so much for your professionalism and speedy reactions very proud of the work you do

Amazing charity. They came out to us within half an hour.. The lady I spoke to was pleasant, helpful and kept me calm. The man who came out, checked him over and said he was poorly. I'm so glad, the seal pup was rescued because I'm sure without the help of this charity and the vets he would not of made it. Also I have been sent an updated email and photos of captian America.. I am looking in to doing the medic course.. Also wanting to do some fundraising. They deserve all the credit they get xx

What an amazing group after the RSPCA REFUSED TO COME OUT these guys were here within 25 mins

Thank you for all your help

These guys do an amazing job so privileged to have met them I think my daughter has a new calling

The work you do is so so important and you all do it really very well. Due to anthropogenic influences our Marine Life is being put under so much stress. It is our responsibility to ensure we do our very best to look after these creatures!! Thank you all for your hard work!!

The volunteer medics are the absolute best and will turn out in all weathers, at any time of day or night to help a marine animal in distress. As an out of hours co-ordinator, my hat off to you for all being so awesome, thank you!

Such good work

My first encounter today albeit a blow up model!! Great day training, found out so much and looking forward to helping out when needed.

Just spoke to a gentleman called Stephen about a cygnet in distress down Mounts Bay. He couldn´t have been more reassuring and helpful. Fingers (and feathers) crossed that they can help

I have a brother-in-law who does some of this work and it is so important during flooding and with sea disasters and rough seas. These people are to be commented for their efforts!!

Had a great day today in Stranraer doing the course great team of people from all walks of life comming together well done to all and a big thank you to the instructors.

Great course today in West Kirby ,loved every minute ! Good pace , practical sessions were very interesting and I feel ready to go out on my first rescue with confidence ! Thanks Stephen , you were ace !

Friendly, informative & very helpful. The team rescued an exhausted stranded seal pup from my local beach and I think most likely saved a life. Everyone was great & I'm so thankful for what you do.

Fantastic day spent with amazing, inspirational people!

Proud of becoming a Marine Mammal Medic, & wondering where it will take me ...

Thanks BDMLR, and see you soon! :-)

Emily, Alice and Ben came too rescue a poorly seal we found today. They let us watch them as they looked after the pup and Emily was awesome with keeping us informed and teaching us about the seals. Amazing job you do guys!! �

Did there course today , it was great , informative , fun and a great bunch of people , thank you , would advise anyone to sign up to the course

Did the training today and it was an amazing day I am now a marine medic�

Came across a seal this morning on Seaham promenade, it had various injuries on its body obviously had been roughed about a bit by the tide surge, I initially rang RSPCA who said it was not an emergency then came across contact No for BDMLR gave them a ring and they arranged for the seal to be collected, a young lady called Louise came out and assessed the seal although injured he was very feisty and moved fast and with ease, so the decision was to leave it where it was and would go back in the water at night tide, went down later and it had in fact gone back into the water.

I have to say I was impressed in how quick the BDMLR reacted and attended the seal especially with the horrendous conditions at the moment.

Thank you so much for your professionalism and speedy reactions very proud of the work you do

Amazing charity. They came out to us within half an hour.. The lady I spoke to was pleasant, helpful and kept me calm. The man who came out, checked him over and said he was poorly. I'm so glad, the seal pup was rescued because I'm sure without the help of this charity and the vets he would not of made it. Also I have been sent an updated email and photos of captian America.. I am looking in to doing the medic course.. Also wanting to do some fundraising. They deserve all the credit they get xx