Grey and harbour seal colonies are increasingly impacted by human disturbance during pupping seasons, causing pup abandonment and mortality with significant welfare consequences.
Seal pup welfare is critically vulnerable to human disturbance during the pupping season. Mother seals will permanently abandon pups if repeatedly disturbed or approached at close range. Abandoned pups starve within days — a prolonged and distressing welfare outcome from a well-intentioned visit. Grey seal pups are born white and helpless; they are completely dependent on their mothers for high-fat milk during a 2-3 week nursing period. Human interference that separates mothers and pups therefore causes certain welfare harm. Welfare guidelines from BDMLR and the Marine Conservation Society specify maintaining 100m+ distance from seal colonies, using telephoto lenses for photography, and keeping dogs on leads. Seal tours operating within appropriate distances support conservation while protecting welfare.