99


larger numbers of harbour seals occur in the Dutch Wadden Sea and Delta (Zeeland) areas. By contrast, there are three wide,


shallow sandy bays in northern France that may be the prime candidates as place of origin. Here, harbour seals live at the southern limit of their NE Atlantic range. Their numbers along with annual pup production are increasing steadily. The largest of these is the Baie de Somme. The two closest to Devon are the Baie des Veys and the Baie du St Michel, located at the SE and SW roots of the Cotentin Peninsular. It is understood that numbers


of harbour seals at French sites were hardly more than a score in the 1960’s, having been wiped out as a breeding species by 1930 by hunting based on fishery con- cerns. However, legal protection since 1961, due to their rarity, plus protection for haul-out sites from


the 1980s, has generated a partial recovery in numbers. Latterly, local conservationists have been pre- venting disturbance and increasing awareness of the seals. The possibility that the Dart seals


Please continue


to send me YOUR sightings


may speak with a French accent is reinforced by satellite-tracking studies. These have found that several harbour seals have made the Channel crossing. What will become of the har- bour seals using the Dart? In the aftermath of the lactation and weaning period, the seal mothers will mate with the solitary bachelor


and will probably become preg- nant. Afterwards the three adults will moult,but where? That remains to be discovered. The pups may remain locally or they may embark upon a prolonged travelling period, in effect making a map of their newly-minted world. Please continue to send me YOUR sightings


OBSERVER FORM


Date: Observer name: Location:


Number of seals: Seal Behaviour: • Swimming • Bottling • Diving • Eating fish • Resting ashore • Other


Did disturbance of the seals occur? If so, please describe what happened. Please send your sighting to Stephen Westcott by email to stephenmwestcote@gmail.com Tel: 07817 532 393


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