Grey seal populations have recovered strongly in UK waters, generating debate about population management that centres on both ecological concerns and animal welfare considerations.
Grey seal welfare encompasses both wild population management ethics and individual animal welfare responses to human activity. The strongest welfare concerns relate to unofficial killing: seals shot by anglers and fishers experiencing net damage or competing for fish may be shot or injured and left to die, a welfare harm that is largely unmonitored and difficult to enforce against. Pup welfare during pupping season is significantly affected by human disturbance on beaches: grey seal mothers are sensitive to human approach and may permanently abandon pups if repeatedly disturbed. Pups separated from mothers before they are nutritionally independent face death from starvation. The salmon farming industry creates a specific human-seal conflict around fish farm pens where seals attracted by fish can become entangled in nets and drown. Non-lethal deterrence including acoustic devices and improved net design can reduce seal mortality around aquaculture without the welfare harm of shooting. Marine mammal medics provide important welfare support for stranded and injured seals, with BDMLR training volunteer responders across UK coastlines.