Almost 600 harbour seals and 3,000 grey seals now inhabit the Thames Estuary, a result of effective conservation after past population declines.
The 2024 survey noted counts of 431 harbour seals and 714 grey seals on sandbanks, suggesting a stable population in an improving ecosystem.
ZSL uses long-range photography to accurately count seals while minimizing disturbance. This technique provides insights into the welfare of native seal species.
Despite a notable revival since the early 2000s, harbour seal numbers show a declining trend in recent years, warranting further investigation into potential causes.
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