Grey seal population dynamics

Grey seals are protected by law, but may be a threat to fisheries. We need to have a good estimate of the grey seal population and its geographical distribution in order to manage the seal population effectively.

Len Thomas has produced statistical models that enable scientists to track changes in the grey seal population based on regular counts of pups at major breeding sites around the UK.

Working with scientists from the Sea Mammal Research Unit, Thomas and colleagues have modelled the population dynamics of this iconic British species, showing how population size has increased over the past few decades and is now levelling off in most regions.

This work forms part of the advice given each year to the UK and Scottish governments to help them manage grey seal populations in Britain. For more about this, see the Special Committee on Seals (SCOS) web site.