UK South Coast seals to be tracked by satellite to reveal cause of population decline

Seal with satellite tag. Photo credit Jolyon Chesworth.

Solent Seal Tagging Project
The devices with built in GPS have been tagged to five harbour seals and will provide location data and information on seal diving behaviour as part of the Solent Seal Tagging Project. The tags, which will remain active for about five months, will highlight primary foraging and resting areas and any migration to other populations. Data gathered will be used to inform conservation and management plans.

50% decline in population
There are serious implications for this species' survival as 40% of the global population of harbour seal live here but the UK population has declined by almost 50% in some areas. Nobody yet understands what may be contributing to the decline in numbers. Studying seals is no mean feat as they can range hundreds of kilometres and spend significant amounts of time underwater. It is known that seals from France swim across the Channel to the Solent and South East.

Wide ranging seals
Jolyon Chesworth, The Wildlife Trusts' South East marine conservation manager, said: "We knew very little about the seals before the tags were deployed and already the information we are receiving is highlighting some really interesting behaviour. The seals make use of some of our larger harbours, such as Portsmouth, Langstone and Chichester to feed and rest. Whereas they are venturing further afield - to the Isle of Wight and east to Selsey Bill - and diving up to 30m deep to search for food."

Jolyon added: "The data gathered will enable us to identify the areas most important for the seals' success, allowing us to flag these up in conservation and management plans and seek to have them protected. This is help to ensure the Solent seals do not show the declines demonstrated in other parts of the country."

If you are lucky enough to see a seal, please keep your distance as seals are easily disturbed.