BEACH visitors to the North East are being urged to give seals space after a series of disturbances resulting in injuries to seals in the North-East and Yorkshire.
Conservation groups have raised concerns for the welfare of seals after a number have been disturbed by human activity.
Matt Barnes, co-founder of the Yorkshire Seal Group and member of the UK Seal, says footfall on beaches has increased due to a lack of overseas holidays due to the pandemic.
Pups are dependant on their mothers but quickly because independent, often getting lost on beaches when finding their way after resting.
The activist, who also works with the Marine Conservation Society, said: “The UK is home to globally important populations of both grey and common seals and here on the North-East coast we are very lucky to see both.
"It is typical behaviour for seals to haul out to rest, digest their food, or pup.
"Seals are extremely vulnerable when on land and are sensitive to disturbance if people and dogs get too close, so it is important that they are given the space they need.
Mr Barnes, who also works with the marine conservation society, added: "Disturbance is particularly bad for seals as it interrupts much-needed rest, increases their anxiety and stress levels and often leads to injury if they are forced to flee to the sea from a perceived threat, often scrambling over sharp rocks.
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"This often culminates in the injuries our volunteers and marine mammal medics encounter, including lacerations to their flippers and bellies and trials of blood left on the rocks following a stampede."
What should you do if you see a seal on the beach?
The Yorkshire Seal Group and Seal Alliance advocate watching from a distance and using your camera zoom or binoculars to observe seals, remain quiet and out of sight.
If a seal is looking at you then you are disturbing it so you should move back.
"If people follow these simple steps then everyone will be able to enjoy these interesting and iconic marine mammals safely," Mr Barnes said.
Noise should also be kept at a minimum to avoid further distress, while people are urged to not attempt to move or drag an animal as this could distress and harm them further - plus, they bite.
Anyone concerned about a stranded seal that seems sick or injured can call The British Divers Marine Life Rescue, who will come to help.
The organisation attended 1,788 callouts last year, including 1,658 for seals and 94 for dolphins.
Earlier this year a national campaign was launched by the Seal Alliance called ‘Give Seals Space’, aiming to reduce the impact that human disturbance can have on these vulnerable marine mammals.
For more information visit www.sealalliance.org or www.yorkshireseals.org
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