Grey and common seals face significant welfare threats from human disturbance during pupping and breeding seasons, with consequences for both mothers and dependent pups.
Seal welfare during pupping is highly sensitive to human approach. Frightened mothers may separate from dependent pups, abandoning them before they have gained sufficient fat reserves to survive. Even brief disturbances can cause prolonged stress in hauled-out seals. Drone overflight has emerged as a new threat, with research showing significant behavioural disruption. Simple distance guidelines, enforced through education and by-laws, can dramatically reduce welfare harm.