BSAC Marine Champion signs up as Marine Mammal Medic

Photo credit: John Godwin

A BSAC Marine Champion is leading a double life as a volunteer Marine Mammal Medic for British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR). 

Dai Evans was first inspired to start his underwater life through his love of wildlife. 

As a passionate conservationist in North Wales, he first got involved with the BDMLR charity in 2018. As well as learning to dive with the Golden Lion Sub-Aqua Club based in Mold, Flintshire, Dai took a course to become a Marine Mammal Medic. 

Chris Cureton

[L] Dai Evans; [R] BDMLR team with a fin whale

Fast forward seven years and Dai has achieved his BSAC Dive Leader certification, and is now instructing new divers.

As a stand-by medic he is also ready for any call-outs to deal with distressed animals – which commonly includes dolphins, seals and turtles, or even stranded whales. The team are currently busy deep in the throes of seal pup season. 

Dai said:

I've seen some remarkable ocean species over the years. I've even rescued a few that are still finning around. But what the medics do would not be possible without the local community showing an interest in our seas.  

When we are called out we can then observe, make an assessment and act appropriately for the benefit of that animal. It sounds glamorous but it can be extremely bitter during the cold months. It can also be distressing when a dolphin won't make it, or when seals continue to be harassed by selfie hunters. Even then we have excellent training, coordinators and head office to support us throughout the operation. To say you've helped a whale live another day, refloated a few dolphins or rescued a seal pup after a storm sounds like a Disney film. 

But we do what we can when we can. The ocean and its inhabitants are inextricably linked to us. So we must look after it. 

Anthony Heaton

Marine Mammal Medics are all volunteers and rely on donations from the public. If you see a stranded marine mammal, please do not attempt to return it to the water – you are advised to call the BDMLR 24-hour hotline on 01825 765546.