Wildlife

Common Seal Welfare: Disease, Climate, and Population Challenges

Overview of common seal welfare, phocine distemper, and climate-related habitat challenges.

Key Facts

Common seals are less numerous than grey seals in UK waters
Phocine distemper virus outbreaks have caused significant mortality events
Common seals prefer sheltered estuaries and sandbanks for hauling out
Climate change is altering prey availability and haul-out site conditions
Boat disturbance at haul-out sites causes welfare stress

Welfare Considerations

Common seal welfare faces multiple challenges including disease outbreaks, climate-driven changes in prey availability, and human disturbance at key sites. Phocine distemper remains a potential welfare emergency. Conservation requires protection of haul-out sites, bycatch reduction, and monitoring for disease. Responsible wildlife tourism at seal sites is an important welfare management tool.

What You Can Do

Maintain a respectful distance from common seal haul-out sites
Support BDMLR seal welfare response and monitoring
Advocate for coastal zone management that protects seal haul-out habitat