Marine Animals

Common Seal Welfare in UK Waters

Common seals in the UK face threats from disease, fishing gear entanglement, human disturbance, and shooting, requiring active welfare protection.

Key Facts

The UK hosts around 40% of the global common seal population, mostly in Scotland
Phocine distemper virus outbreaks have caused mass mortality events historically
Seals can be shot legally in some circumstances by fishermen in the UK
Entanglement in fishing gear causes serious injuries and drowning deaths
Haul-out sites where seals rest are vulnerable to human and dog disturbance

Welfare Considerations

Common seal welfare faces threats from both disease and direct human impacts. Better enforcement of shooting restrictions, reduced fishing gear entanglement, and protection of haul-out sites are essential welfare priorities.

What You Can Do

Keep dogs on leads near seal haul-out sites and maintain a 100m distance
Report injured or entangled seals to BDMLR or local wildlife rescue
Advocate for better regulations on seal shooting in fishing contexts
Support campaigns to reduce fishing gear entanglement in seal populations
Choose sustainably certified fish from low bycatch and entanglement risk fisheries