A TOTAL of six seals at a Rhyl aquarium could become chronically ill due to ongoing noisy coastal defence work on the town’s promenade, says a marine wildlife centre.

Rhyl’s SeaQuarium says Denbighshire County Council’s coastal defence works are threatening both the safety of the animals.

Earlier this week, the Journal reported that the attraction fears it is also at risk of closure due to the works.

The centre has been popular with Rhyl residents and visitors for more than 30 years, employing 20 staff and attracting 80,000 visitors every year.

But SeaQuarium says the Central Rhyl Coastal Defences Scheme could harm the hearing of its six seals, causing a chronic stress response in the animals.

Staff at the aquarium fear the noise and vibrations from the work could also affect other animals housed at the sea centre.

“Our seals, just like lots of different animals, have their own unique personalities. We are very lucky that we have a brilliant bunch here at SeaQuarium. The seals are incredibly intelligent,” said aquarium director and co-owner Colette Macdonald.

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Rhyl SeaQuarium fears closure as coastal defence works put ‘everything at risk’

“They can be playful, mischievous, and sometimes a little stubborn. With each seal having their own personality, this means each seal could be affected differently throughout the works.

“There are lots of ways in which the seals’ behaviour could be affected.

“This could present itself in ways such as an increase in vigilant behaviours, a decrease in the seals finding rest, the refusal to eat, aggression towards their group or trainers, and even a drop in their playfulness, to name but a few.”

The SeaQuarium has two Harbour Seals, Ina, who is 20 years old, and Pamina, 18, and four African Fur Seals: 10-year-old Nelly, and Flo, Gina, Bubbles, who are all five.

The centre also has 30 exhibits featuring more than 100 different species and the only underwater tunnel in North Wales, home to native British Sharks, Rays, and other marine life.

Ms McDonald added: “Our team is working hard to monitor the seals and their behaviour, but there have already been instances where the seals have reacted in a negative way towards the noise, and this is only at the start of a course of work scheduled to span over the next two years.

“With the work taking place on a schedule to fit around the tides, the sleep schedules of the seals have already been affected when the work goes on throughout the night.

“We mustn’t allow further disturbances to the seals in order to protect their mental wellbeing and their physical health. We’re concerned a build-up of psychological distress will result in a physical manifestation and potentially lead to injuries or chronic illnesses.”

The coastal scheme will improve flood defences in central Rhyl, protecting both homes and businesses from flooding and coastal erosion.

The council said that the ongoing works are “essential” to protect 548 residential and 44 non-residential properties predicted to be at risk from flooding.

A council spokesperson added: “If the independent expert determines that the seals are in distress as a result of the work, they can ask for noise levels to be reduced or for the work to be halted.

“To date, no such request has been made. Animal welfare is a matter of great importance to the council, which is why the steps to monitor the noise and vibration levels have been taken.

“The current sea defences in Rhyl must be upgraded as they are deteriorating, and we also need to improve the level of protection from coastal flooding due to the impact of climate change.

“This work is essential to protect homes, businesses and the tourist economy from flooding events and coastal erosion well into the future.”