monk seal - aluminum sculpture
monk seal - aluminum sculpture
We make sculptures and castings from most available metals and composites. Each sculpture can be made in any size. Please contact us to discuss your project.
Despite their majestic presence in the oceans, seals face many threats that have brought them to the brink of extinction.
Habitat loss: Coastal development and human disturbance are disrupting breeding and roosting areas critical to seal survival. Beaches become crowded and noisy, making them unsuitable for raising young.
Entanglement in fishing gear: Lost or discarded fishing gear (nets, lines, hooks) pose a deadly threat. Seals can become entangled, leading to injuries, infections and even drowning.
Predation by Invasive Species: The introduction of non-native predators such as sharks and dogs into monk seal habitats disrupts the natural balance. These predators prey on young seals and defenseless adults, contributing to population growth.
Climate change: Rising sea levels are flooding beaches, reducing essential nesting and recreation areas. Additionally, warming ocean temperatures disrupt prey availability and may lead to disease outbreaks.
Bycatch: Accidental capture in active fishing gear, particularly nets and longlines, continues to cause significant mortality among seals.
Aluminum is a versatile and lightweight metal, valued for its impressive strength-to-weight ratio and excellent corrosion resistance. Its ease of recycling and wide availability make it a sustainable choice for many design applications.
- Comparison of foundry metals (article)