The number of seal pup births recorded at Donna Nook has fallen by 25%.
The first grey seal pup of the season at the Donna Nook colony in Lincolnshire was born on 29 October, marking the beginning of the birthing season. However, this year saw a significant decrease in the total number of pups born, with only 1,649 births recorded.
This represents a 25% drop, or 558 fewer pups, compared to the 2,207 pups born in 2023.
The figure demonstrates a wider decline which has been observed across several seal colonies in the UK.
According to Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, pup numbers at Donna Nook have previously remained relatively stable, averaging at around 2,200 per year. The mortality rate for pups has also held steady between 6.3% and 8.6%.
Charities caring for other colonies in the UK have cited harmful human interaction as contributing to the decline, however the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust says the exact reason for the stark drop in births between 2023 and 2024 remains unclear. They said it is not yet clear whether the drop is due to adult female seals failing to give birth or if higher mortality rates among adult seals have affected the pup population.
In response, the Sea Mammal Research Unit has launched a dedicated research program to investigate the underlying causes.
A spokesperson for Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust said: “Thank you to the team of 68 volunteer seal wardens who recorded 2,943 hours of volunteer time throughout the season, the equivalent of 342 working days.
“Reports of dead seals washed up should be reported to the UK Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme (0800 652 0333). https://ukstrandings.org/
“If possible, please collect information such as species, size, location, date, state of decomposition, and take photos (with an indication of scale if possible). Do NOT touch dead animals.”
(Image: Monica Baldwin)
Part of the Gi Grimsby News team since 2020.