Seal Welfare at Haul-Out Sites and Disturbance

Grey and common seals using haul-out sites for rest, breeding, and pupping are vulnerable to disturbance from coastal recreation, with well-intentioned human approaches causing significant welfare harm through energetic costs and pup abandonment.

Key Facts

UK grey seal populations have recovered significantly and now support approximately 40% of the world population
Pupping colonies at sites including Donna Nook and Horsey attract thousands of visitors each winter
Disturbance of pupping seals by approaching humans or dogs causes pup abandonment and energetic costs
Grey seal pups cannot swim until they have moulted their white birth coat at approximately three weeks old
Common seals are more sensitive to disturbance than grey seals and use haul-out sites year-round for thermoregulation

Welfare Considerations

Seal disturbance at haul-out sites causes welfare harm through energetic costs of flight into the water, disruption of suckling in pups, and in worst cases permanent pup abandonment. Pups separated from mothers before weaning face starvation and death. The cumulative effect of repeated disturbance at busy sites reduces the site's value as a resting location, forcing seals to expend energy finding alternative sites. Well-meaning human approaches to observe seals closely cause the same welfare harm as deliberate disturbance, making education about appropriate distances essential.

What You Can Do

Observe seals from at least 100 metres distance and never approach pupping colonies
Keep dogs on leads and away from seal haul-out sites at all times
Report seal disturbance to British Divers Marine Life Rescue or local wildlife authorities
Support the British Marine Life Rescue and Seal Conservation Society
Visit managed seal watching sites that provide safe viewing while protecting animal welfare