A marine rescue team has urged members of the public to avoid interacting with seals in the waters around Jersey, following the start of the island’s seal breeding season.
The British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) team reported that seals had begun giving birth to their young earlier this year in the waters surrounding Jersey. Notably, the first pup of the season—a common seal pup, which the team described as “a rarity”—was born just off the island on Tuesday.
Donna De Gruchy, a member of the team, explained that many of the seals in the area are currently pregnant and could be at risk if disturbed by human activity. “If the pups keep coming in, then we are really going to have to have a look at setting up a sanctuary here,” she said, highlighting the team’s concern for the welfare of both mothers and pups.
While grey seals make up the main population around Jersey, De Gruchy noted that common seals are rarely seen in these waters. “It’s a rarity for sure. I think with the massive tide drop, there’s a possibility they got lost in the waters,” she said.
Regarding how the public should respond if they spot a seal, she offered clear guidance: “If the public sight a seal, then if they can call us straight away, that would be great. We will get someone down to the beach to assess the situation no matter what condition the animal is in.”
She also advised people to take safety precautions: “Please keep children away and dogs on leads. Keep the distance, stand downwind, and wait for us to arrive if you possibly can.”
De Gruchy emphasized the seriousness of disturbing pregnant seals, saying it is “definitely an issue” and something that makes the team “very nervous.” With the season underway, the rescue team is closely monitoring seal activity and may take further steps to protect the vulnerable population of mothers and pups around the island.