Introduction: The Fascinating World of Seals in Cornwall
Seals are charismatic marine mammals that hold significant cultural and historical importance for many coastal communities. Beyond their cultural value, each different breed of seal plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of marine ecosystems.
As predators, seals help regulate the populations of their prey, preventing any one species from becoming overly dominant. They also contribute to nutrient cycling by transporting vital nutrients through their faeces and urine, which supports the growth of algae and phytoplankton, key components of the marine food web.
Seals serve as sentinel species, acting as indicators of ecosystem health. By studying the health and behaviour of different breeds of seals, researchers can gain valuable insights into the state of the marine environment. Any significant changes in seal populations can signal shifts in the ecosystem, pointing to potential issues such as increased pollution, climate change, or overfishing. Thus, seals not only play an integral role in the environment but also provide vital information about the health of our oceans.
Why Cornwall Is a Paradise for Different Breeds of Seals
Cornwall is abundant with marine life, including fish, which are a key part of a seal’s diet. The nutrient-rich, temperate waters create ideal feeding grounds for seals, offering them a diverse array of prey.
The region’s ecosystems, such as kelp forests and rocky shores, support a variety of species, providing excellent hunting opportunities for seals. The rugged coastline and cliffs of Cornwall form the perfect habitat for seals, offering numerous haul-out sites that are often safer for resting and breeding.
Cornwall’s secluded beaches and sheltered coves provide seals with space to come ashore, ensuring mothers and their pups are given protection and isolation. Seal conservation organisations in Cornwall work tirelessly to monitor and protect seal populations, safeguarding their natural habitats and minimising the impact of human activities. These efforts are vital for the well-being of the seals and play a crucial role in helping different breeds of seals thrive along Cornwall’s shores.
Common Seal Species Found in Cornish Waters
Cornish waters are home to two species of seals: the grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) and the common seal (also known as the harbour seal, Phoca vitulina). Grey seals are the more numerous of the two, with an estimated 120,000 individuals around the British coastline, making up about 40% of the world’s entire population.
Despite the name, common seals are a much less common seal species in Cornwall. This is largely due to competition for food and habitat from the more abundant grey seals. Additionally, historical population declines of common seals, largely driven by outbreaks of phocine distemper virus, have further contributed to their reduced numbers in the region.
Grey Seals: The Giants of Our Coastline
Physical Characteristics
Grey seals are the larger of the two seal species found in Cornish waters. Their scientific name, Halichoerus grypus, comes from the Latin meaning “hook-nosed sea pig,” which refers to their distinctive, curved nose.
Known for their dog-like heads, grey seals have large, dark eyes and parallel nostrils. Their pelage, or fur, can be grey, brown, black, or white, often with a mottled pattern. This unique pattern allows each grey seal to be identified individually. Females tend to have a silver-grey coat with dark spots and are smaller in size, typically growing up to 1.8 meters in length and weighing around 190 kg. Males, in contrast, are usually darker grey and have a less distinguishable fur pattern, growing up to 2.3 meters in length and weighing up to 310 kg.
One key difference between male and female grey seals is that the males’ noses are generally longer. This feature also helps distinguish grey seals from common seals. Grey seals are equipped with two heavy layers of fur and a layer of blubber that provides insulation in cold waters. Their strong, webbed flippers have five distinct digits and claws, which aid in swimming and hauling out. Grey seals have a lifespan of up to 35 years, although many do not reach this age in the wild due to predation and human-related threats.
Habitat and Breeding Patterns
Grey seals are commonly found along the coastline, often in caves, coves, or on secluded beaches where there is less disturbance from humans. Their preferred terrain can vary depending on the region, with some seals found on rocky shores, sandbars, or islands.
Although they spend the majority of their time at sea, feeding on fish, grey seals return to land to haul out and rest. The breeding and pupping seasons of grey seals can differ depending on the region. In Cornwall, however, there has been a noticeable shift in the timing of pup births, with pups arriving earlier than in previous years.
Generally, the grey seal pupping season takes place in the autumn, from September to December. The gestation period for a grey seal is around 11 months, and they give birth to a single live pup, although rare instances of twins have been reported elsewhere.
Newborn pups are born with a layer of white fur, known as lanugo. While this fur is not waterproof, it serves to keep the pup warm as it builds up fat reserves and a layer of blubber. The pup will remain with its mother for about three weeks, feeding on her nutrient-rich, fatty milk to triple its birth weight. During this time, the mother and pup stay close together. After this period, the mother will leave her pup to fend for itself. Importantly, female seals will not mate again until their pup has been weaned. Once this happens, the female will mate with a dominant male (bull) during the breeding season.
Grey Seal Population in Cornwall
Despite the UK being home to around 40% of the world’s entire population of grey seals, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly host only about 0.5% of that population. However, grey seals are still the most abundant marine mammal in the southwest of the UK.
The highest concentration of grey seals in Cornwall is found along the north coast, where three major haul-out sites provide ideal resting and breeding locations. These sites see significant seasonal fluctuations in seal numbers, with greater numbers of grey seals observed during the moulting and breeding seasons compared to the quieter summer months.
Common (Harbour) Seals: Our Small Coastal Residents
Identifying Features
The common seal is the smaller of the two seal species found around the UK. They can grow up to 2 metres in length and weigh up to 150 kg. Their average lifespan ranges from 20 to 35 years.
Common seals have a shorter head with a more concave forehead, giving them a cat-like appearance. Their nostrils are V-shaped, and like grey seals, they lack external ear flaps, having only small openings on the sides of their head.
Their pelage varies in colour, ranging from blonde to black, though they are typically grey with dark spots. The underside of a common seal is usually lighter in colour, often pale grey or white, creating a striking contrast with their darker back.
Behavioural Traits
When not at sea, common seals can be found on sheltered shores and estuaries, often hauling out onto sandbanks and beaches. They are frequently seen resting in a curved, banana-like position, with both their head and hind flippers raised in the air. This posture helps keep their more sensitive body parts away from cold water, helping them maintain a warmer body temperature.
While generally solitary, common seals may form groups during the breeding season or in areas with abundant food. Grouping can provide safety in numbers and help reduce the risk of predation. Despite their social gatherings, common seals remain highly vigilant and are quick to flee into the water if they sense danger, ensuring their swift escape from potential threats.
Survival Strategies
Unlike grey seals, common seals give birth to their pups during the summer months. Remarkably, common seal pups are able to swim just a few hours after birth. Similar to grey seals, common seals will mate after their pups have been weaned.
When it comes to diving, common seals are capable of reaching depths of up to 500 metres and holding their breath for up to 30 minutes. They have adapted to diving by reducing their heart rate and redirecting blood flow to vital organs, ensuring they can survive prolonged periods underwater.
Their streamlined bodies are perfectly suited for efficient swimming, while their thick layer of blubber not only helps with thermoregulation by keeping them warm but also serves as an energy reserve when food is scarce. Hauling out on land and basking in the sun also helps them conserve energy and maintain warmth.
The mottled pattern of their coat provides excellent camouflage in their surroundings, offering protection from predators and allowing them to sneak up on prey unnoticed.
Common seals have a diverse diet, feeding on fish, squid, crustaceans, and molluscs. This varied diet enables them to adapt to changing food availability. Additionally, they are skilled foragers, using their whiskers (vibrissae) to detect vibrations and movements in the water, even in low-visibility conditions. These survival strategies, among others, enable common seals to thrive in a wide range of marine environments.
Best Seasons for Seal Spotting in Cornwall
Seals can be seen year-round in Cornwall, though their behaviour and abundance can vary slightly depending on the season. During the autumn and winter months, you’re more likely to spot seals hauled out on land, particularly at low tide when they come ashore to rest. In contrast, during the summer, seals tend to spend more time at sea feeding, so fewer are seen hauled out on the coastline during this time of year.
Seal Watching with Padstow Sealife Safaris
Cornwall is a popular destination for seal watching, attracting tourists eager to see these incredible marine mammals in their natural habitat. For those specifically dedicated to finding seals, our 1-Hour Seal Safari boat trip offers an exciting opportunity to spot seals along the coast. This exhilarating adventure takes you out on the water, following the coast at speed before slowing down near sensitive areas where grey seals are frequently spotted. If the conditions are right, we may also head out to one of the offshore islands to search for seals that have hauled out on the rocks, offering a unique and memorable seal-watching experience.
Our Marine Wildlife Tours
Cornwall is a popular destination for tourism, and we are proud to recommend its unparalleled scenery and wildlife. At Padstow Sealife Safaris, we explore the local environment daily, witnessing firsthand the effects of visitors, both positive and negative.
We dedicate a significant portion of our resources to conserving the environment and local wildlife for future generations. Not only do we educate our passengers on wildlife and conservation issues to raise awareness, but we also record all of our wildlife sightings. These records are sent to Cornwall Wildlife Trust through their ORKS sightings record app. Collecting this data goes beyond tracking numbers and species; it contributes to finding long-term solutions to the challenges faced by marine life around Cornwall.
How Tourists Can Support Seal Conservation
If you’re near the coast, keep an eye out – you might just spot a seal! When looking for seals along the coastline, it’s important to maintain a respectful distance to avoid disturbing them. Use binoculars or a zoom lens for a closer look, which allows you to observe their behaviour in more detail without getting too close. Be sure to observe seals quietly, keeping noise to a minimum and avoiding sudden movements. This will help keep the seals calm and reduce the risk of them becoming stressed or fleeing.
There are local organisations and volunteers working hard to protect seal populations around Cornwall. Supporting their efforts through donations or volunteering can make a significant difference.
- If you come across a distressed or injured seal, report it to British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) on 01825 765546.
- For deceased seals, report them to Cornwall Wildlife Trust Marine Strandings Network on 0345 201 2626.
- For more information on how to behave around seals and marine life, visit the Cornwall Seal Group Research Trust website.
By following these guidelines, you can enjoy a rewarding and responsible seal-watching experience while helping to protect these magnificent animals and their environment.
Conclusion
Cornwall’s seals are not only fascinating creatures but also integral to the health of our marine ecosystems. Whether you’re spotting the majestic grey seals or the more elusive common seals, Cornwall offers a unique and rewarding experience for nature enthusiasts.
Through responsible seal watching, supporting local conservation efforts, and staying informed about the best practices, we can all contribute to the protection and preservation of these incredible marine mammals. By ensuring their habitats are safeguarded, we help maintain the balance of marine life for generations to come, securing the future of seals in Cornwall and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of seals can be found in Cornwall?
Cornwall is home to two species of seals: the grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) and the common seal (Phoca vitulina).
When is the best time to see seals in Cornwall?
Seals can be seen year-round in Cornwall, but the best times for sightings along the coastline are during the autumn and winter when they haul out on land, particularly at low tide.
Where can I see seals in Cornwall?
Seals can be seen all along Cornwall’s coastline, particularly on the north coast.
How can I safely watch seals?
When watching seals, it’s important to maintain a respectful distance to avoid disturbing them. Use binoculars or a zoom lens, and avoid making loud noises or sudden movements. This helps keep the seals calm and reduces stress.
What should you do if you find a seal pup?
If you come across a seal pup that is injured, in distress, or alone, please keep a distance and encourage others to do the same, then contact BDMLR on 01825 765546. BDMLR will send out trained marine mammal medics to assess the situation, to see if human intervention is required. It is imperative that you do not attempt to put the pup back into the sea, as they frequently haul out to rest.
