Grey seal colonies at UK haul-out sites and pupping beaches are vulnerable to disturbance from beach visitors, dogs and photographers, causing pup abandonment and welfare harm.
Seal colony disturbance is a significant and largely preventable welfare harm. Abandoned pups die without their mother's milk and warmth. Premature sea entry causes drowning risk for very young pups. Beach visitors - even well-intentioned wildlife enthusiasts - cause measurable harm through disturbance. Signage, voluntary warden schemes and seasonal beach restrictions significantly reduce disturbance welfare impacts.