Our work with Seals

Our group supports a growing network of citizen scientists recording a variety of variables including, population density, site fidelity, mortality rates and tagged seals. We document the various stages of pup growth and success rates once the pup is weaned and maternal care stops. As each seal can be identified using unique pattern on its fur, we have begun the arduous but rewarding task of photo identification initially focusing on birthing females. We are hoping to develop a seal spotter app in 2021 to further increase our databse, donations to fund this are greatly appreciated.

Every day throughout the winter months and intermittently the remainder of the year, we mobilize our team of volunteers to make a real difference. We attend and engage with coastal visitors at areas frequented by seals to educate them on behaviours, biology and best practice regarding responsible wildlife watching. Join us and see what can be accomplished when you get an impassioned team to focus on changing perspectives and facilitating positive encounters. During winter 2020/21 we have enaged with over 5000 people across our Yorkshire study sites.

  The Yorkshire Seal Group, along with our friends at the Marine Conservation Society have co designed a workshop called “Pinnipeds in Peril” to explore the biology, behaviours and threats seals face. The workshop is ideal for primary school ages but can be modified to suit secondary age pupils and youth groups such as Scouts or Brownies on request. The workshop is curriculum linked and delivered free of charge across Yorkshire by one of our Volunteers who are DBS cleared. To request a visit simply use the contact us page.

 Seals face an increasing number of anthropogenic threats around the UK coastline including climate change, overfishing, disturbance and coastal development. An increasing problem is plastic pollution that can lead to ingestion and entanglement cases. If you see a seal that may be abandoned, sick, injured, malnourished or entangled then call our friends at the BDMLR on 01825 765546. If you witness seals harassed or disturbed into the sea as a result of human interactions or a dead seal then call us on 07794695607.