ENVIRONMENT Minister and Cornish MP George Eustice has teamed up with local groups asking people to “Give Seals Space” when they visit the coastline.
Just 25% of young seals survive to the age of two and interactions with the public can lead to mother and pup fatalities.
A new leaflet campaign and information boards, backed by Defra’s Green Recovery Fund, show the public how to observe seals safely from a distance.
The UK is home to more than a third of the entire world’s population of grey seals and 30% of European common seals, which are facing rapid decline.
Seals are vulnerable to any kind of human interactions, either deliberate or unintentional. The ‘Give Seals Space’ signs and leaflets feature four easy-to-remember steps:
• Keep well away from seals (use a camera zoom or binoculars) so that they can’t smell, hear or see you
• Keep dogs on a lead when in an area where seals might be present
• Never feed seals
• Take all litter home
George Eustice said: “Seals are one of our most iconic marine mammals. They can be found along our coastline around the UK, and we must do all that we can to protect them.
“Disturbance by members of the public can be detrimental to seals, and it is entirely preventable. I would urge everyone to follow the guidance, give seals the space that they need and respect what is a vulnerable marine species.”
Sue Sayer, of the Seal Research Trust, said, “I have witnessed bleeding, grazed flippers, ripped-out claws and gashed bellies that leave blood trails across the rocks after a stampede. Seals need our help so please keep yourself downwind and your dog on a lead.
“If a seal is looking at you, it has been disturbed, so please move further away. Use your camera and binoculars, stay quiet and out of sight. If we follow these simple rules we can enjoy watching seals for longer and without harm - a win–win for both people and seals.”