Wildlife

UK Grey Seal Welfare and Breeding Colonies

Conservation and welfare of grey seals in UK coastal breeding colonies and management of pup welfare.

Key Facts

UK hosts around 40% of the world's grey seal population
Grey seal pups are born in autumn and fed rich milk for 3 weeks before weaning
Orphaned pup rescue and rehabilitation is conducted by BDMLR and seal sanctuaries
Entanglement in fishing gear causes severe welfare harm and mortality
UK grey seal population has grown significantly following legal protection

Welfare Considerations

Individual grey seal pups face welfare risks from abandonment, entanglement, and human disturbance during the critical nursing period.

What You Can Do

Keep dogs away from grey seal colonies during breeding season
Report entangled or injured seals to BDMLR on 01825 765546
Support British Divers Marine Life Rescue seal rehabilitation programmes