Wildlife Welfare

Wild Common Seal UK Welfare

The welfare needs of common (harbour) seals and threats facing UK populations.

Key Facts

UK common seal populations have declined significantly in some areas, particularly Orkney and Shetland
Phocine distemper virus (PDV) outbreaks cause mass mortality events with significant individual welfare impact
Common seals are particularly vulnerable to disturbance at haul-out sites during pupping (June to August)
Entanglement in fishing gear and plastic debris causes injury, suffering, and drowning

Welfare Considerations

Common seal welfare is threatened by disease outbreaks, entanglement, and human disturbance at critical life stages. Haul-out disturbance during pupping causes pup abandonment - a severe welfare harm that responsible wildlife watching codes can prevent.

What You Can Do

Observe common seal haul-out sites from at least 100 metres and never approach on foot
Report entangled or stranded seals to the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR)
Support BDMLR and SeaSearch monitoring of common seal populations