MISSING BANNERS: Seal Sitters seeking 2 that blew away

seal-sitters-banner

David Hutchinson from Seal Sitters Marine Mammal Stranding Network sends the photo and this request/reminder:

Each year, Seal Sitters’ “Share the Shore” banners are installed along Alki Avenue SW. This is timed to correspond with our busiest months of responses to harbor-seal pups using our West Seattle beaches – September & October. Unfortunately, during our recent windstorm, two of the banners blew down and have not been found. If anyone comes across one of these banners, please give our hotline a call and we will arrange to pick it up.

Just a reminder – young harbor seals are still in the area and use our local beaches throughout the year. If you see one – or any marine mammal – on the beach, please keep back, keep people and pets away, and call Seal Sitters’ hotline at 206-905-7325.

You can read the Seal Sitters’ latest update on responses, from this past weekend, here.

7 Replies to "MISSING BANNERS: Seal Sitters seeking 2 that blew away"

  • captainDave October 27, 2016 (12:45 pm)

    The irony is that these cheap plastic signs and banners near the beach often end up in the water to kill sea life.  A little common sense should be used here.  

    • WSB October 27, 2016 (2:15 pm)

      This is the sixth season for the banners, which resulted from a city grant, and the first time any have been lost. I asked David what they’re made of: “The material is a thick, durable, waterproof vinyl. They are fastened to the mounting bracket rings with heavy plastic ties that go through the metal grommets in the banners.” – TR

      • captainDave October 27, 2016 (9:06 pm)

        The problem with vinyl and most other petroleum based products is that they eventually breakdown and lose their structural integrity.   The wind also does a very efficient job of whipping sheet plastics into small pieces (micro-plastics) that enter the food chain when animals consume them.  The banners should be replaced often enough to avoid weather deterioration.  Or better yet, how about suggesting that they use silkscreened aluminum or plywood signs? If the flexible look is important, then painted cotton canvas works great.  I have had painted canvas signs on one of my boats for eight years that still looks new.

    • Chemist October 27, 2016 (11:42 pm)

      Time for a non-biodegradable sign ban ?  With all the campaign signs that will be left out into late november, might not be so bad.

      • AMD October 28, 2016 (8:21 am)

        That ban would also apply to those temporary signs Metro uses to let you know your bus stop is relocated for 6 months.  And any holiday decorations in sign form (North Pole, etc.).  You think you want to ban reusable signs, but you don’t.

        And having reusable signs is better for the environment.  Hopefully the Seal Sitters can get theirs back soon.  I think it’s a beautiful way to bring attention to the needs of the wildlife whose beaches and water we share.

      • captainDave October 28, 2016 (12:53 pm)

        I am not in favor of more regulations because they are costly to enforce and burdensome on taxpayers and employers.    Just common sense and education is most needed.  There is no end to drafting new laws that always have unintended consequences.  Signage is a very small percentage of the plastic problem on Puget Sound.   The source and type of plastic debris is too numerous to list.   People just need to get smart about not letting plastic into the waterways.  

  • Chris October 28, 2016 (10:54 am)

    Monday, I noticed one rolled up under a bench along the beach.  I looked up at the pole and it was missing one of the horizontals.  Must have blown down in the wind.  I rolled it up and replaced it back under the bench.

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