Scientists believe declining seal numbers on Phillip Island could be caused by chemicals used in fire fighting.
A joint research project between the University of Sydney, the National Measurement Institute, and Philip Island Nature Parks, has studied the Rocks sea seal colony since 2006. They found the population numbers have dropped by 25% since 2007.
High levels of harmful chemicals such as Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as PFAs, which are commonly found in firefighting foam, were found to have passed through to seal pups in gestation or in their mother’s milk.
PFAS are banned in some countries including New Zealand, with evidence showing the chemical has adverse health and environmental effects.