Grey Seal Welfare: Colony Management and Pup Mortality

Grey seals are the larger of Britain two native seal species. Management of their growing colonies raises welfare questions, and pup mortality during storms and disturbance events is a significant concern.

Key Facts

Grey seals are the largest British carnivore and breed in dense colonies on exposed beaches
Pups are born with white lanugo fur and cannot swim until they moult at 3-4 weeks
Storm events during pupping season can kill thousands of pups through wave wash or separation
Grey seal colonies have expanded significantly as populations recovered from hunting in the 20th century
Conflict with fishing interests has led to calls for lethal management in some regions

Welfare Considerations

Storm mortality in grey seal pups is a natural welfare harm that is nonetheless significant in scale. Climate change is increasing storm frequency and severity during the October-December pupping season. Pups caught by waves before they can swim face drowning, crushing, and separation from mothers. Lethal management proposals to reduce colony size would cause direct welfare harm to many individuals. Alternative approaches focus on fisheries management and gear modification to reduce conflicts.

What You Can Do

Support grey seal colony monitoring programmes that document pup survival and mortality
Oppose lethal management proposals for grey seals without robust evidence of fisheries harm
Donate to the British Divers Marine Life Rescue, which rescues and rehabilitates stranded seal pups
Advocate for storm-season buffer zones that minimise disturbance to pupping beaches