Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Thames Estuary awash with marine mammals
Harbour sea
Harbour seals were the most commonly spotted marine mammal, with over 1,000 reported over the 10 year period.

Canary Wharf a hotspot for sightings

The Thames Estuary is teeming with marine mammals, according to a report published by the Zoological Society of London (ZSL).

Launched in 2004, the ZSL Thames Marine Mammal Sightings Survey was designed to help conservationists form a better understanding of how marine mammals use the Thames Estuary in order to help conserve them.

Over the past 10 years, the organisation has received reports from over 1000 Londoners who together spotted more than 2,700 seals, porpoises, dolphins and whales.

Joanna Barker, European Conservation Projects Manager at ZSL, said: "People are often surprised to hear that marine mammals are regularly spotted in Central London. As a top predator, their presence is a good sign that the Thames is getting cleaner and supporting many fish species.

"The presence of these animals is also a great example of how urban environments are important for wildlife."

According to the survey report, there were more sightings around Canary Wharf than any other area. Many sightings were recorded in Central London, particularly between the 02 Arena and the Houses of Parliament.

Harbour seals were the most commonly spotted marine mammal, with over 1,000 reported over the 10 year period. The majority of sightings lasted no more than two minutes and were of marine animals swimming.

Joanna added: "We were pleased to see that harbour seals were some of the most commonly spotted mammals. Their numbers have dramatically declined in some parts of Scotland, so the fact that they are frequently sighted in the Thames Estuary confirms that the South East is an important area for their conservation."

ZSL relies on sightings to understand the whereabouts and behaviour of marine mammals in Central London.

To take part in the ongoing survey visit www.zsl.org/inthethames

Image (C)Andreas Trepte www.photo-natur.de

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
New guidance for antibiotic use in rabbits

New best practice guidance on the responsible use of antibiotics in rabbits has been published by the BSAVA in collaboration with the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWA&F).

The guidance is free and has been produced to help veterinary practitioners select the most appropriate antibiotic for rabbits. It covers active substance, dose and route of administration all of which are crucial factors when treating rabbits owing to the risk of enterotoxaemia.

For more information and to access the guide, visit the BSAVALibrary.