Wildlife

Common Seal Welfare in UK Waters

How UK common (harbour) seals are faring and what affects their welfare.

Key Facts

Common seal populations have declined significantly in parts of Scotland
Phocine distemper virus caused mass mortalities in 1988 and 2002
Fishing gear entanglement is a leading cause of injury and death
Pupping season disturbance by humans and dogs causes welfare harm

Welfare Considerations

Common seal welfare is threatened by disease, fisheries interactions, and human disturbance. Seals disturbed during pupping abandon pups — causing starvation and welfare emergencies. Marine Protected Areas and beach disturbance management are key welfare interventions. Rescue centres rehabilitate injured individuals.

What You Can Do

Keep a minimum 100m distance from hauled-out seals and pupping beaches
Report entangled or injured seals to the British Divers Marine Life Rescue
Support Marine Protected Areas that reduce fisheries pressure on seal habitat