Amy Wardlaw, MMO (August 2016): The warmer weather may tempt you towards the coast and learning more about the marine environment. When doing so it’s important you consider both your own safety and that of any animals you may encounter.
Swimming with seals
Whether swimming with, feeding, photographing or catching Pokemon versions of them – getting close to seals is best avoided.
You should remember that seals, sometimes referred to as charismatic megafauna, may look cute but are also large wild animals.
Protected species
Both grey seals and common or harbour seals are protected species and there is legislation covering their illegal harm, taking or killing. In some areas of the UK we have additional protection in the form of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). MPAs include:
- European Marine Sites (Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas)
- Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) with marine components
- Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs)
Within these sites activities that could negatively impact the protected features, such as disturbance of seals by human activity, may be an offence.
Details of the legislation relevant to seals and the areas in which they have additional protection is available on the Government website.
The JNCC website explains the Special Areas of Conservation relating to grey seals and common/harbour seals.