How to watch Seals well...

Wales is visited throughout the year by the globally rare North Atlantic Grey Seal and Common Seal species. Unfortunately, human disturbance is having a significant toll on these large yet very sensitive mammals and we as paddlers can be at the very fore front of protecting them.

Canoe Wales is helping the Seal Research Trust get the message out as to how sensitive seals are to disturbance. We want to help paddlers enjoy seal watching but in a safe way for the animals. There are a few simple tips that we can do to show that we care for our precious wildlife. These tips are aimed so that you, and they, experience the best possible time together.

All seals need space between you and them irrespective of whether they are on land or in the sea. 

With that foremost in your mind please:

A Seal's Reactions

Always observe a seal’s reactions to your presence. For instance, if a seal repeatedly looks at you (whether on land or in water) this shows they’re aware of your presence and could become stressed. So slowly back away avoiding eye contact to a spot where you can remain still. We recommend being a minimum distance of at least 100m away from seals, especially if they have young pups.

Watch where you land

Do not land on beaches or rocky ledges where seals are hauled out or are with their pups, except in an absolute emergency. A disturbed seal is likely to move quickly to the safety of the water stampeding over sharp rocks and crushing small pups in their panic to get away. Pregnant females suffer harm to their unborn pups as they are most sensitive, and vulnerable during the pupping seas in late September through October.

Take it Slow

Maintain a slow, steady and predictable rhythm as you paddle past seals. Seals are incredibly inquisitive and if they notice something unfamiliar, they will tend to look at it as a potential threat. 

Keep calm and they carry on

Seals are curious and may approach you whilst out paddling, we recommend you allow this to happen and remain quiet. Do not reach out to try and touch a seal. Once their curiosity has been satisfied, they will lose interest and move away. You can then slowly continue your paddle having experienced a wonderful moment and one you will never forget. 

Watch out for signs

Some locations around Wales will have signs indicating a no landing area. These signs usually indicate a sensitive seal haul out site where pups may be present or a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) where particular protection of the land and wildlife is necessary. Please respect these areas.

Gareth Richards (Gower Seal Group and UK Seal Alliance Strategy Group) said, “We are pleased to work alongside Canoe Wales to give advice and some simple tips to get the very best experience with seals. Our Welsh coastline is a special place for marine wildlife and we encourage paddlers to read up on the various Marine Codes that exist for that area. We can easily co-exist by following the tips given that form part of our national campaign ‘Watching Seals Well’ and ‘Operation Seabird’ the national campaign to reduce disturbance to all marine wildlife. Our main message is to enjoy watching seals but please be respectful at all times” 

More information can be found in these local marine codes.

Ceredigion Marine Code https://cardiganbaysac.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Cardigan-Bay-Marine-Code.pdf 

Pembrokeshire Marine Code https://www.pembrokeshiremarinecode.org.uk/code-of-conduct/

Seawise Code https://cdn.cyfoethnaturiol.cymru/media/3513/sea-wise-code.pdf

Anglesey Marine Code https://wildseas.wales/content/downloads/Anglesey-Marine-Code.pdf

Happy Paddling folks,

Phil Stone, Places to Paddle Manager & Mike Raine, Environmental and Sustainability Lead, Canoe Wales.