| Solent Seal Tagging Project
The Wildlife Trusts South East Marine Programme and Chichester Harbour Conservancy are running a project aimed at gathering data on seal populations in the Solent and South East England.
This information will improve our knowledge of the seals, identifying their movements throughout the region and highlighting their most important sites for protection.
We are keen to receive any sightings of seals and have recording forms available (see contact details at the bottom of the page).
However, when observing seals it is important not to disturb them so we have developed a code of conduct to help avoid this.
Seal Observation Code of Conduct
Seals can be easily disturbed and this may cause unnecessary worry to the animals, interrupt resting, feeding and breeding, which can all affect the animals health.
When watching from boats there is also the chance of collision and injury.
Seals are large animals and if cornered may be defensive and can bite.
As a result, when watching seals it is wise to follow the code of conduct detailed below for their benefit and yours.
If they are not disturbed you will also get to observe them for longer and be able to get better photographs.
Code of conduct
Keep your distance, at least 50m away, and use binoculars to get a good view without having to get closer.
If in a boat, avoid approaching seals ‘bow on’, they are best approached from the side.
If you see a seal in open water, slow (less than 5knts or no-wake speed), steady movements parallel to the animals minimise risk of disturbance and collision, do not chase the animals.
Never drive or walk through a group of animals.
Keep noise to a minimum, do not rev engines or shout.
If you are approached by a curious seal maintain course with slow speed or remain stationary, do not approach seal.
Be aware of submerged seals, particularly in shallow bays and channels.
Always allow seals an escape route, avoid boxing animals in or blocking narrow channels.
Allow mothers to reach their pups. Never come between a mother and her pup. If you see a nursing pup leave the vicinity immediately and slowly.
Do not seek to swim with, touch or feed seals, they do bite and infection can occur.
Limit vessel numbers to no more than two.
Limit observation time to 10 minutes maximum.
If animals show any signs of avoidance or disturbed behaviour (frequent direction changing away from the boat, moving in to the water from haulouts or diving) move away slowly and immediately.
For small craft and kayaks avoid landing or mooring close to the seals.
If witnessed from the shore, avoid walking towards the seal and keep children and dogs at a safe distance.
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