The Cornish Seal Sanctuary is expressing frustration after a hollow flying ring was discovered on a quiet beach near Gweek. The ring was spotted by Seal Research Trust volunteers, Elizabeth Hall and her daughter Flo, during a walk with their dog late last year.
“Seals are naturally inquisitive and often play with objects they find along the shore. Unfortunately, hollow flying rings can become trapped over their heads, causing slow and painful injuries, sometimes even resulting in death” said Grace Jones, Conservation officer at the Cornish Seal Sanctuary.
In July last year, Cornwall Council voted unanimously to introduce a voluntary ban on hollow flying rings. The initiative is not about preventing people from enjoying the beach; it’s a simple measure that can have a huge impact on marine wildlife. Solid flying discs offer the same fun but do not carry the same deadly risk for seals, dolphins, and other coastal animals.
Councillor Rosie Moore (Wadebridge East & St. Minver), a strong supporter of the campaign, has arranged for Cornwall Council to add “no hollow flying rings” signage and stickers to car parks near vulnerable beaches. The Sanctuary hopes that other car park owners across Cornwall will follow suit to further protect seals and marine wildlife.
“The voluntary ban is an easy step everyone can take to prevent unnecessary suffering,” said a spokesperson for the Cornish Seal Sanctuary. “We are calling on visitors and local businesses alike to make the change. Every small action counts in keeping our beaches safe for seals.”
Grace continues, “these incidents are entirely preventable, yet seals continue to be harmed by items that have no place on our beaches. That is why the ‘Save Our Seals from Flying Rings’ campaign matters so deeply to us, and to the supporters who stand behind the work protecting seals in Cornwall”.
Since launching a petition last year, the UK Seal Alliance, has had over 54,000 people adding their voices. That support is already creating momentum, with local authorities considering voluntary bans, retailers choosing safer alternatives, and public awareness growing about the very real danger flying rings pose to seals.
For campaigners, reaching 100,000 signatures is critical to driving lasting change.
You can sign and share the petition here.
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