grey seals

 

Winter storms and rising sea levels pose a significant threat to grey seal pups, according to South Essex Wildlife Hospital in Orsett.

The hospital has seen a dramatic rise in seal rescues, assisting 100 grey seal pups in the past year compared to about 20 five years ago. These vulnerable pups, born along the east coast in December, face separation from their mothers during turbulent weather, which can be devastating for their survival.

Chief veterinarian Tom Linsel emphasised the challenges, stating that stormy weather could be “almost disastrous” for grey seal pups.

“Especially on the east coast where the storms can be really high – especially in the last few years where it looks like climate change is affecting the height of the water,” said Mr Linsel.

“You only need one storm where the water gets really high, or really big waves, and you can wash off the whole population on a particular beach.”

While there isn’t conclusive evidence that climate change is increasing the frequency of storms in the UK, it has intensified rainfall and contributed to rising sea levels, creating more hazards for wildlife.

The National Trust has noted that the loss of predictable weather patterns has caused significant disruption to nature.

The UK hosts approximately 120,000 grey seals, representing 40% of the global population.

Grey seal pupping season coincides with the UK storm season, making the pups especially vulnerable. Unlike common seals, which give birth in summer, grey seal pups are born during winter and depend on their mothers’ milk to gain weight in their first few weeks. They only become waterproof after moulting and growing their grey coats, leaving them exposed to the elements.

The British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) charity reported an increase in seal-related callouts, from 2,000 in 2020 to about 2,600 in recent years. One dramatic case involved a seal named Rocky, flown to Essex by private jet after being found underweight and exhausted in Jersey. After treatment, Rocky was successfully released at Walton-on-the-Naze.

Sue Schwar, the hospital’s owner, said her team is overwhelmed by the increasing number of seal pups requiring care, estimating it costs £5,000 to rehabilitate each one. She attributes the rise to both increased public awareness and the impact of worsening weather conditions.

Storms can wash pups out to sea or strand them on rocks, making it impossible to reunite them with their mothers.

“We are on high alert but unfortunately that doesn’t give us more resources suddenly,” she said.

“We can’t crack open a box of inflatable seal pup pens to put them all in.”

Rehabilitation often takes up to six months before the seals are ready for release.

“We are flat out all-year round now – there’s no chance of respite like there used to be in the winter months.”

While South Essex Wildlife Hospital is seeing a surge in cases, the RSPCA has reported a decrease in the total number of seals treated at its wildlife centres. In 2024, the organisation admitted 272 seals, down from 303 two years ago. Additionally, its emergency hotline received 499 seal-related reports in 2024, compared to 647 in 2022.

The combination of rising sea levels, unpredictable weather, and the growing awareness of wildlife challenges underscores the need for continued conservation efforts.

 

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