Grey seal pups are born and weaned on UK beaches during autumn and winter, with welfare linked to beach disturbance and adequate maternal nursing time.
Grey seal pup welfare during the brief but critical nursing period depends entirely on undisturbed access to their mother. Human approach to within 10-20 metres causes females to leave pups and enter the sea, disrupting nursing and potentially leading to pup starvation if the female fails to return. Abandoned pups that miss feeding periods become malnourished and vulnerable. Beach management during the pupping season including distancing requirements and visitor management at key sites directly protects individual pup welfare. Entanglement in fishing lines and plastic causes welfare harm to juveniles and adults throughout the year.