Seal numbers in Thames Estuary on the increase

The number of seals in the once barren Greater Thames Estuary has dramatically increased to almost 1,000 in the past year.

A survey of the marine mammals found huge numbers of Harbour and Grey seals living in the 4,000sqkm area between Deal, Kent, and Felixstowe, Suffolk.

The numbers in the area have increased from 685 to 938 within the past 12 months.

Conservationists said despite the creatures close proximity to the capital the seal populations are some of the least understood in the UK.

But seal experts are now keen to keep a close eye on the species as numbers are on the decline in some Scottish harbours.

Joanna Barker, London Zoological Society Conservationist, said: “With harbour seal numbers remaining stable and grey seal numbers more than doubling since last year, the result of this year’s survey is a good indicator of the health of the Greater Thames Estuary.

“Grey seal numbers are increasing along the East coast, so it’s not surprising that more are moving into the estuary.

“However, it is important that we use the same methodology to complete the survey every year in order to identify these changes, and investigate how this affects the harbour seal population.”