Harbour (Common) seals are historically the most common species spotted along the East Sussex coastline, but in recently years the number of grey seals has increased. There are some large colonies of grey seals off the Kent and West Sussex coast.
Seals, being mammals, are not required to remain in water. It is common for them to relax on the shore. When the tide recedes, seals may end up high on the beach, but they can easily make their way back down to the sea.
Seals often sunbathe, sometimes lying on their side with a front flipper in the air. They may also assume a “banana” shape by lifting their head and tail, resembling a banana – this behaviour is also typical.
While seals may allow people to approach them closely, they do not appreciate excessive disturbance and may display aggression or attempt to bite if they feel threatened. Please respect these powerful wild animals and keep your distance.
Adults will sometimes moult. They can become lethargic and tired and haul out onto public beaches. An adult harbour seal can grow up to 2 metres in length and the grey adults up to 2.6 metres. Moulting can taken several weeks to complete. During this time they will haul out in sometimes very public areas and gather much interest. These seals will often lose weight /condition during this time but general they can tolerate this dip in weight.
Harbour seal pups are typically born in the summer. It’s common for them to rest on beaches. A healthy seal pup will appear plump and smooth-skinned, while an unwell one may lose weight, have wrinkled skin, a noticeable neckline, and possibly visible pelvic bones. They usually measure around 60 cm in length when first born and are capable of swimming within hours after birth. This species generally does not form large groups, known as haul-outs, and prefers sandy beaches and estuarine environments.
Grey seal pups are typically born from late October to January. It is unusual for them to be born along the East Sussex Coastline. At birth, they have a long, shaggy white coat. During a weaning period of about 3-4 weeks, grey seal pups stay on land where they are susceptible to disturbances and storms. In this time, they triple their body weight and shed their fur for the short, mottled, waterproof coat seen in adults. Generally, grey seal pups measure between 80-110 cm in length and often gather in large numbers on sandbanks.
Harbour seals are frequently seen on beaches, riverbanks, or mudflats in areas such as Sovereign Harbour Eastbourne, Denton Island Newhaven, and along the rivers Cuckmere, Rother, Ouse, Adur, and Arun. They are known to swim up to 10 miles inland along these rivers. Seals have been observed as far inland as Barcombe Mills, north of Lewes, and in Alfriston. They do not require rescuing just because they are in a river.
Along the Sussex coast, Harbour seals are often seen resting on concrete breakwaters, wide groynes, and shingle beaches. They typically lie on their sides, waving a flipper in the air. If they come ashore on a groyne and the tide goes out, they risk injury if startled and jump. Yet, if the water remains deep enough, this risk is minimal. It’s best to keep people and dogs at a distance to prevent such incidents.
Occasionally, seals that are unwell due to injury or illness appear on our beaches. A loss of body condition is often the first indicator of their distress. Healthy seals should have a rounded appearance from head to flippers. If a seal’s neck is visible, or the bones of its rib cage or pelvis are apparent, it indicates a potential issue, necessitating intervention by experts from British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR). WRAS has skilled and trained medics who collaborate closely with BDMLR.
If you need advice on seals on the beach then please contact East Sussex WRAS on 0300 10 26 999 or BDMLR on 01825 765 546. Further information on seals is available at www.bdmlr.org.uk.
