Marine & Wildlife

Wild Common Seal UK Welfare

Common seals are vulnerable to hunting, entanglement and habitat disturbance in UK waters, and their welfare requires active legal protection and public awareness.

Key Facts

Common seal populations in parts of Scotland and England have declined significantly since the 1990s
The cause of decline is uncertain but may involve disease, predation, prey depletion and disturbance
Common seals are protected under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970 and cannot be killed without licence
Entanglement in marine debris and ghost fishing gear causes serious injury and drowning
Haul-out sites are essential for resting, pupping and thermoregulation

Welfare Considerations

Common seal welfare requires both legal protection from direct harm and management of human disturbance at haul-out sites. Public awareness of protection laws and respectful behaviour are essential.

What You Can Do

Keep boats and kayaks at least 100 metres from hauled-out seals
Report any dead or injured seals to the BDMLR seal rescue line
Never approach or touch common seals on beaches