Chris Berry’s commitment to marine life rescue runs deep, shaped by powerful experiences that transformed him from a volunteer into a passionate advocate for marine conservation across the UK.
As the Devon Area Coordinator for British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR), Chris wears many hats: medic, mentor, and advocate. His journey began unexpectedly during a scuba course in Exmouth when he discovered BDMLR. “I was training for my Master Scuba Diver qualification when I saw an ad for a BDMLR course,” he recalls. “It was a chance to help these intelligent creatures that, despite living beneath the waves, play a vital role in sustaining our environment—capturing carbon and producing oxygen more effectively than trees.”
Since qualifying as a Marine Mammal Medic in 2007, Chris progressed through the ranks—becoming Assistant Coordinator in 2016 and taking on the full Area Coordinator role in 2020. Though voluntary, his dedication rivals that of a full-time job.
READ MORE: Frozen in Time: Axbridge, Somerset’s Medieval Market Town
READ MORE: Britain’s ‘Bendiest’ Road: Why Motorists Are Advised to Avoid Zig Zag Hill
“The work includes dramatic rescues,” Chris explains, “but it’s also about supporting hundreds of medics, coordinating training, managing fundraising, engaging communities, and driving conservation campaigns.” His efforts span Devon’s two distinct coastlines, collaborating with local authorities, running training courses, and raising public awareness through media appearances.
One rescue mission remains etched in his memory: the October 2024 refloat of a Common Dolphin. Battling stormy conditions, Chris and his team navigated cliff paths and transported the dolphin safely to release. Yet some rescues are heartbreaking, like the time he accompanied a Sowerby’s beaked whale in its final moments. “You could see the animal’s intelligence and appreciation for the care it received. That experience stays with me.”
Devon’s unique geography poses logistical challenges for rapid response. Equipment must be dispatched swiftly between its widely separated coastlines. Public education is another vital front: well-meaning individuals sometimes inadvertently harm stranded animals by dragging or rolling them back into the sea without proper assessment.
To prepare, BDMLR conducts mass stranding drills—realistic simulations demanding extensive planning. “They’re exhausting but crucial for saving lives when real emergencies arise,” says Chris.
Seals constitute a significant focus. Despite their charm, seals’ welfare depends on people respecting their space. Chris advocates the “5 S’s” for safe seal watching: STOP, SPACE, SILENCE, SLEEP, SUPPORT—rules designed to minimize disturbance and ensure safety. The BDMLR actively counters misconceptions about wildlife interactions, highlighting dangers like loose dogs and selfies with seals.
Community outreach is key, with BDMLR attending festivals and schools to spread their message. However, alarming rises in seal distress reports demand urgent attention. Factors include climate change, fishing net entanglements, and increased public reporting. A critical campaign targets the ban of plastic “flying rings” that cause severe injuries to seals—the “Seal Alliance” pushes for legislative action to eliminate these cheap, disposable hazards.
Expanding their remit, the BDMLR recently began responding to land animal rescues such as beavers, requiring new protocols and training. Despite recent setbacks like a stolen rescue trailer, Chris and his team are equipping it with state-of-the-art gear to maintain one of the UK’s most professional marine rescue units.
Chris urges community involvement: “Visit the BDMLR website, check the Courses section, and join the waiting list. Volunteers must be 18+, but no diving experience is needed. There are many ways to help—from fundraising to awareness.”
If you encounter a distressed marine creature, call the 24/7 rescue hotline at 01825 765546 immediately.
Balancing multiple roles—from town councillor to environmental advocate—Chris’s dedication to marine rescue remains unwavering. “This work gets under your skin,” he reflects. “Once you’ve seen what I’ve seen, you can never look away.”