Sovereign Harbour seals’ behaviour change during lockdown

As more people stayed at home during the pandemic, seals have been seen hauling out – moving from water to the shore – much more frequently.

Observers say that in the last few months, seals have been reported hauled out on beaches locally at Pevensey, Eastbourne, and Brighton.

Stephen Savage, the Sussex county recorder for sea mammals and regional co-ordinator for the Sea Watch Foundation, has been studying Sussex sea mammals since 1991.

He said, “It’s not that unusual to see seals locally – they frequently visit our coast, rivers and estuaries, and harbour seals are regular visitors to Sovereign Harbour.

“However, solitary seals are currently hauling out on beaches that they would normally avoid because of human disturbance.

“People are often concerned when they see a seal on its own, but actually seals are mainly solitary although they may haul out in groups for safety.”

Mr Savage said two species of seal live around our coasts – the harbour seal and the larger grey seal.

He is keen to hear from anyone who has spotted a seal, especially during lockdown.

He said, “I am keen to monitor how seals may have been behaving differently with reduced human activity.

“Residents of Sovereign Harbour have been reporting an absence of seals in the harbour during lockdown.”

Mr Savage believes seals may visit Sovereign Harbour due to a reduction of safe and secluded haul out sites on the coast.

The harbour provides a good natural haul out site, but at the same time, it is close to human activity.

At high tide, seals leave the harbour and return to the sea, probably swimming some distance from the marina.

Mr Savage is keen to look for evidence that might suggest that the temporary disappearance of the seals may be due to the seals finding alternative haul out sites on beaches currently devoid of human activity, rather than expending energy to swim back to the harbour.

He spent many hours last summer studying and videoing seal behaviour at Sovereign Harbour to help understand their ecology and the importance of the haul out.

He said, “it’s important that seals can haul out undisturbed as this is when they rest, digest their food and replenish the energy used when swimming and feeding.

“Studies have shown that even a small amount of increased vigilance from a seal, such as a fast head turn, can indicate stress, especially if this happens frequently.

“It’s important that people enjoy the seals from a distance and do not try to approach them. On such occasions seals can show increased vigilance and may eventually rush back into the water.

“And if a seal waves at you, it’s not being friendly. It’s telling you that you are too close and warning you to stay away.”

Mr Savage would like to receive information including where the seal was spotted, including the day and time and if the seal was swimming or hauled out.

He would also like photographs to confirm the species of seal that was observed.

He said, “The more information people can provide the better and close up photographs of the head and face are very useful as some seals can be identified as individuals by unique markings.”

Contact Mr Savage and send sightings and photographs at the project email address [email protected]

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