Common Seal Welfare in UK Estuaries: Population Trends and Threats

Common seals are the smaller UK seal species with significant welfare challenges from disease, shooting, and disturbance at haul-out sites.

Key Facts

Common seals are smaller and less abundant than grey seals in the UK
UK common seal population has declined significantly particularly in Orkney and Shetland
Phocine distemper virus (PDV) caused mass mortality events in 1988 and 2002
They haul out on sandbanks and rocky shores near estuaries for resting and pupping
Legal shooting by fish farmers under licence caused significant mortality historically

Welfare Considerations

Common seal welfare faces multiple threats. PDV epizootics cause mass mortality with severe welfare suffering from respiratory and neurological disease. Disturbance at haul-out sites by boats, kayaks, and walkers causes repeated flushing that disrupts essential rest and thermoregulation. Pregnant females harassed from haul-outs may give birth in suboptimal conditions. Entanglement in fishing gear causes drowning and injury. The historical licence shooting by fish farmers has now been significantly reduced through regulatory change. Conservation management protecting key haul-out sites from disturbance and reducing entanglement risk are the primary welfare interventions.

What You Can Do

Maintain at least 100 metres distance from common seal haul-out sites
Approach seal sites by water with caution and at slow speed
Report sick or entangled seals to BDMLR immediately
Support Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme seal monitoring
Advocate for reduced entanglement risk through fishing gear modification