In recent years, Ireland has experienced many powerful storms. They have caused damage in various parts of the country and, due to the changing climate, are likely to become even stronger over time. The storms have also had a negative impact on seals.

Following Storm Ophelia, the Irish seal rescue service Seal Rescue Ireland received more than three hundred calls about seals on the country's coastline within a single week. Some seal colonies had lost up to 80% of their pups during the storm. Seal Rescue Ireland is the only seal rescue centre in Ireland. It is a charitable organisation that focuses on the rehabilitation and release of sick and injured seals. (...)