The county’s coastline is home to both rare grey seals and common seals with visitors flocking to sites like Sandwich and Pegwell Bay to view them. However, experts from Kent Wildlife Trust are concerned that people may be unaware they are causing a seal disturbance when trying to view them.
Seals can be disturbed easily and what may appear to be normal behaviour, like getting in and out of the sea, can have a significant impact on the marine mammal, causing them to struggle to put on weight or feed their pups. Repeated disturbance may result in injury from stampeding, they may gash their bellies on sharp rocks, tear their skin on sand or rip out their claws.
Protected Area Warden Nina Jones explains: “Seals can be curious animals, but are also easily frightened, and they are at their most vulnerable when on land. Getting out of the water, takes a lot of energy, and it is important for their survival that they can rest.
“Seals in may appear in control of encounters and they may be very curious but continued disturbance of seals can have fatal consequences and, with seal numbers in rapid decline, everyone has a role to play in protecting them.”
The upsurge in paddle boarding poses a particular risk to seals as they can approach animals quietly and get too close.
Nina continued: “We want paddlers to enjoy the beautiful coastline but, what appears to be a peaceful activity, carries a significant risk to seals. Paddlers can help seals by paddling slowly and steadily, not stopping at a seal site, or getting too close. Never try to take a seal selfie or feed or follow them. If a seal is repeatedly lifting its head and looking in your direction, you have disturbed it, so leave the area slowly and quietly.”
A rise in the number of boat tour operators offering seal experiences has prompted Kent Wildlife Trust to encourage companies to complete WiSe training a scheme centered around watching marine wildlife in a wildlife-safe way. Operators learn how they can safely conduct tours without significantly impacting wildlife which is especially important for seals.
So far, one tour operator operating in the area is WiSe trained with more interested in taking part, and the trust is keen for more business to complete the course.
Paul Cannon who runs River Runner with his partner Lauren Fossey, who have both completed the training said: “It is important that everyone is equipped with the knowledge to run tours safely so that wildlife can thrive. The WiSe scheme promotes responsible wildlife watching through training and education so we can run tours that allow people to get closer to nature, without impacting on the local wildlife and their habitats.”
Nina added: “One of our Wilder Kent 2030 strategy goals is to engage with more people to do more for nature so we can protect 30% of Kent’s land and sea and by working with tour operators, the paddle board community and those enjoying our coastline for recreation we are all helping nature in our county thrive.”
In addition to protecting seals, people visiting the coastline are asked to think carefully about how their presence impacts nature. Sites like Sandwich and Pegwell Bay are a haven for migratory birds who often nest on the ground. This means they are vulnerable to disturbance, particularly from dogs. Those walking dogs in the area are asked to keep their pet on a lead at all times to project these precious habitats.
People can learn more about watching seals safely on Kent Wildlife Trust’s website.
Those wishing to help the charity protect nature can donate or purchase a seal adoption pack.