Seals under threat
Take a walk along one of the many coasts of our little island and you will be likely to spot a seal head sticking up out the water or see one lounging around on a nearby rock. We take for granted this common species
Seals are beautiful, unique, semi-aquatic marine mammals that breathe air, and share their time between land and sea. They belong to a group of mammals called Pinnipeds, which translates to ‘wing-footed’ in Latin, referring to their paddle like flippers. Worldwide, there are 33 species of Pinnipeds, two of which are native to Ireland: the Common Seal and the Grey Seal, (Seal Rescue Ireland).
Why are seals important?
Globally, the Grey Seal is one of the rarest seal species and 50% of the world’s population live around the UK and Ireland.
Seals in general are hugely important for the health of ecosystems. They are a bio-indicator species, meaning the condition of their habitat can be determined by the size of the seal population. They are also known as the “doctor of the sea”, because seals maintain healthy fish populations by picking off sick or injured fish.
What threats do seals face?
According to the People’s Trust for Endangered Species, grey seals face a whole variety of threats including pollution, especially chlorinated compounds such as PCBs, entanglement in discarded fishing nets, and disturbance by tourists.
The threats that seals face are threats that many species such as whales, dolphins and sea birds experience, so by focusing on protecting seals we are creating a knock-on effect to other ocean species too.
Threat 1) Climate & Ecological Crisis
Warming ocean temperatures and Large waves during storm events impact otherwise safe pupping grounds, resulting in grey seal pups being swept from their rookeries.
Threat 2) Water Pollution & Habitat Destruction
Farming accounts for 53% of all water pollution incidents, according to AgriLand Ireland. This is probably similar figure for other parts of the world too. This pollutes waterways and our oceans (seal habitat!).
Threat 3) Unsustainable Fishing
Seals, like other marine mammals rely entirely on seafood, they do not have the luxury of dietary choice as we do. Overfishing = taking away valuable food sources for marine animals that they desperately need.
Threat 4) Entanglement
This one speaks for itself and we’ve all seen the videos of seals or turtles or seabirds tangled up in fishing nets and plastics as bycatch.
Threat 5) Plastic Pollution
A super toxic component with detrimental effects on seals as they live, swim and eat it. According to the United Nations, plastic waste kills 1 million sea birds and 100,000 marine mammals every year, that is over 3,000 animals per day!
Threat 6) Human Disturbance
Seal Rescue Ireland says “We know seals are adorable, no one loves them more than our dedicated team. But seals, like humans need space. Seals are semi-aquatic which means they NEED TO HAUL OUT on land to rest, digest and re-oxygenate their blood. Although they appear lazy, they are in fact incredibly agile predators. When seals are disturbed (especially pups) it disrupts their natural behaviour, causing stress that often leads to mothers abandoning their pups. It is important to know SEALS ARE PROTECTED under the 1976 Wildlife Act, It is prohibited to harass or disturb them. Please remain 100m away from any wild seals you see and call our rescue hotline 087 195 5393.”
Fun Facts
It is believed that seals probably evolved from otter like ancestors Puijila darwini about 15-20 million years ago.
Their closest land dwelling relatives are said to be bears, dogs and weasels. Can you spot the similarities?
Since seals are closely related to dogs, there have been records of zoonotic disease transferring from one to the other. This is another important reason to keep dogs on a lead and far from seals resting on beaches!
Seals feed underwater, hunting for their prey using sight, sound, and vibrations, picked up by sensitive whiskers called “Vibrissae”. Their eyes are very well adapted for low light levels underwater, and they also have well-developed directional hearing.
They have some backwards pointing teeth which helps them hold onto prey.
They are “opportunistic” feeders which mean they feed on whatever they can find including shoaling fish like mackerel and herring, as well as crustaceans, squid, octopus and sand eels. This is why ocean plastic is so dangerous because they often eat it thinking it is some kind of food!
Seals kidneys are very efficient at concentrating urine. They produce urine that has a higher concentration of salt than seawater so that they reduce their intake of saltwater.
Seals have a protective third eyelid that wipes sand away and a continually produced tear film also helps to protect the eyes.
They are able to swim effectively over very long distances achieving speeds of up to 25 knots! But they are extremely slow and clumsy on land which makes them vulnerable on land.
How can you help?
Volunteer or visit Seal Rescue Ireland, a charity based in Wexford. Guaranteed fun and unique day out where you will learn loads and fall in LOVE with seal. You can also “adopt” a little seal (great present idea!).
Head out on a beach or litter clean on your local coastline so that the seals can have a nice clean area to live in.
Keep seals wild - give them space and don’t bother them or interact with them. Leave this to the professionals when they need help!
Don’t buy seal fur products.
More info on seal ecology, seal conservation and protection: