Wildlife Welfare

Wild Seal UK Welfare and Harassment

Grey and common seals in UK waters face welfare threats from human disturbance, entanglement, and deliberate harassment.

Key Facts

UK grey seal population is approximately 120,000 representing 40% of world population
Pup disturbance during breeding season causes abandonment and mortality
Seal entanglement in lost fishing gear causes injury and drowning
Some fishermen deliberately kill seals despite legal protection
Seal watching tourism can be highly disturbing if not conducted responsibly

Welfare Considerations

Seals face welfare threats from both deliberate persecution and well-intentioned but poorly managed human disturbance. Pups abandoned by disturbed mothers face slow starvation. Entanglement in ghost fishing gear causes prolonged suffering. Responsible management of human-seal interactions and effective enforcement of legal protections are essential for seal welfare.

What You Can Do

Maintain distances of 100 metres from seals especially during pupping season
Report seal disturbance or injury to BDMLR or RSPCA
Support seal rehabilitation centres that treat injured animals