A growing number of seals venturing further up the River Thames are prompting a UK charity to ask the public to maintain a safe distance, emphasizing the potential harm to both the animals and people.
The UK Seal Alliance has launched a campaign, "Give Seals Space," advocating for enhanced legal protections for the seals that inhabit the river. While an estimated 3,500 seals live in the Thames, they are typically found in the estuary east of London. However, sightings have become more frequent, with one seal observed as far west as Windsor.
"Seals are very transient, and will basically go to where there is good fish stocks," said Gareth Richards of the UK Seal Alliance. Seals can travel between 60 and 80 miles per day, according to Richards.
This increased presence and movement have led to a greater risk of disturbance. The charity warns that seals are highly sensitive to disruptions from people, pets, and drones. Such disturbances can have lasting negative impacts on their health, including pup abandonment, increased energy expenditure to remain vigilant, and injuries sustained while attempting to flee.
Currently, neither grey seals nor harbour seals, the two species commonly found in the Thames, are protected from intentional or reckless disturbance under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. The UK Seal Alliance is urging the government to reconsider previous recommendations and grant these species the legal protection they deem necessary. Marmalade, a harbour seal, was noted as a rare sighting due to their smaller population in the river compared to grey seals.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) stated that a "suite of legislative protections" is already in place, making it an offense to harm or capture seals.