BEACHMASTERS Moulting
Moulting is the process grey seals use to shed their old fur and replace it with a fresh, dense coat. Tis helps to maintain the insulating properties of the fur, which is essential for thermoregulation in cold water, as well as waterproofing to enable them to stay warm and buoyant in the sea. Adults usually moult aſter the breeding season, when they’ve replenished fat reserves through foraging. Tis process consumes a lot of energy, so they have to spend more time ashore resting, which is why you may see them hauled out on the coastline around springtime.
Treats 1 People .
Historically the greatest threat to grey seals has been people. Seals were hunted for their coats, meat and oil to the point where their population may have dwindled to 2,000–4,000 individuals in the early 20th century. Tey were culled until the 1970s due to conflicts with the fishing industry, as seals can damage fishing gear and seals were oſten perceived to be a threat to fish stocks. More recently, seals have been viewed more positively as top predators that support a healthy marine ecosystem by maintaining balance, which contributes towards thriving fish stocks. Tey are also a reliable marine tourism atraction, diversifying coastal incomes, especially in a world where small-scale fishing is becoming more difficult. Tese changing atitudes and legislative protection have caused seal populations to increase.
2 Disturbance .
Te biggest current human threat to grey seals is disturbance from people or dogs geting too close; boats or jet skis travelling past the seals’ haul-out site; and other watercraſt, such as kayaks, landing on the beach. When a seal colony is disturbed, it causes the whole colony to panic and flee towards the water (known
as flushing), and pups can be crushed in the stampede. When pups are still very young, they cannot enter the water and are leſt behind. Consequently, they miss out on vital feeds, as it can take several hours for their mothers to return. Rushing towards the sea can also cause injury to the adult seals, as well as the expending of valuable energy needed for raising pups, feeding and moulting. Multiple incidences of flushing can increase adrenaline levels, disrupting normal hormones.
3 Climate change .
A changing climate and extreme weather may cause the seals’ habitat to shiſt, affecting their foraging and breeding areas.
4 Pollution .
An increase in plastic pollution, liter and ghost fishing gear poses a threat of entanglement to grey seals. Tis can injure a seal, affecting its ability to hunt, potentially leading to starvation. Chemical pollution may also affect grey seals through their prey intake, causing health conditions which affect the way they live and reproduce.
5 Over-exploitation .
Te over-exploitation of fish stocks has diminished food availability for grey seals, leading to changes in foraging areas and food sources.
Next time you spot those inquisitive eyes peering at you from just above the water, you’ll know who’s watching you, and how to ensure the seal can carry on living life free from disturbances.
18
Cumbrian Wildlife | November 2025
© TOM MARSHALL.
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