The life of grey seals in the West Country is fraught with dangers and tribulations. Their life is a permanent battle, not just against the elements, but also against humans' overriding impact on nature. Packed with unique footage, Marine Team shows the year-round struggle for survival.
The world of the grey seal is a fascinating one. We see the favoured birthplace of the seal pup - the dark and mysterious sea caves, and witness the all too brief period that the mother cares for her offspring before it is abruptly abandoned and left to fend for itself.
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 Rescued Pup |
We follow the stories of two pups from rescue to release - Flake and Barramundi. Each seal has its own hurdles to clear and their future is by no means certain. In the Isles of Scilly the fate of Star - a starved, fluffy white pup - hangs in the balance. Will a helicopter flight back to the mainland prove too big an ordeal?
 Flake |
 Star |
Butter, an adolescent grey seal, is found with a hideous neck injury inflicted by a nylon fishing net. Cleo is a feisty hooded seal pup, who strayed thousands of miles off course, ending up on a Spanish beach starving and exhausted. The National Seal Sanctuary is given the task of transporting her from Heathrow to Cornwall - where her condition is assessed - and then we see her marathon journey to Scotland and the Shetlands en route to the Arctic.
 Butter - Grey Seal |
 Cleo - Hooded Seal Pup |
As well as rescued grey seal pups, the Sanctuary is home to a number of resident seals and sea lions, who for one reason or another are unable to live in the wild. Lizzie has an operation to alleviate an eye condition, Rocky is busy taking it easy, whilst Yulelog and Flipper have some issues to sort out. Meanwhile Carus, the huge South America sea lion, continues to get his fill of fish.
 Carus - South American Sea Lion |
 Common Seal Pup |
Common seals are arguably even more photogenic than their grey seal cousins. We go to the East Coast of England, where common seals are prevalent, and hear about the threat of an outbreak of the deadly seal (phocine) distemper virus (PDV).
Dolphins and porpoises have been washed ashore in increasing numbers in recent years. We witness two dramatic dolphin rescue attempts involving, amongst others, British Divers Marine Life Rescue.
 Stranded Common Dolphin |
 Fur Seal |
We follow our British rescuers abroad. On a trip to Portugal we meet South African fur seals, and in the Falklands the mighty elephant seals, king penguins and more.
 Elephant Seal |
 King Penguins |
Back in the UK, we take time out to appreciate coastal bird-life - from fulmers, gannets and guillemots, to ravens and razorbills.
Fulmer Chick