Common seals are declining in parts of the UK due to disease, predation and disturbance at haul-out sites. Human disturbance of resting and pupping seals has direct welfare consequences.
Common seals disturbed from haul-out sites during the pupping season experience acute fear responses that cause unnecessary energy expenditure and, in severe cases, mother-pup separation. Pups flushed into the water before they are swimming-competent face drowning or hypothermia. Adult seals repeatedly disturbed from haul-outs experience chronic stress that elevates disease susceptibility. Habituated seals in popular recreational areas may eventually tolerate closer human approach but never eliminate the underlying stress response. Seasonal closure of key haul-out sites during June-July dramatically reduces these welfare costs with minimal impact on recreational access.