Pup boom!

Good to see you!

Rocky sleeps

Mother and pup bonding

 

Second coat pup ready for the big world

Thursday 13th December comments: As we start to process this year's data, compile reports and discuss the management of the Farne Islands, we are starting to get reports from other east coast seabird and seal colonies.

Over the last five years, the east coast of England has witnessed an increase in the Seal pup production as the main colonies have reported year-on-year increases. The pupping season has yet to finish this year (we'll be heading out to the Farnes for an updated count in the near future) but reports suggest another bumper year at the main colonies.

The latest Grey Seal pup counts (so far this autumn) include: Farne Islands 1,542, Donna Nook (Lincolnshire) 1,505 and Blakeney Point (Norfolk) 1,055. There are a few smaller sites scattered across the Norfolk coastline yet to report in, but overall the population is booming.

So why is this occurring? It's a question which will be raised over the forthcoming months and as like anything in conservation, its never straight forward. Major Seal colonies in the north and west of Scotland are reporting no increases with some even reporting slight down-turn in their populations, so the picture is very mixed. However for one thing, the east coast is booming and it'll be interesting to see what the future has in store.