Scuba Season
Least Concern· population increasing· assessed 2026

Grey Seal

Halichoerus grypus

Sighting evidence at Garvellachs Islands, Oban

Grey Seal

Photo: dagamb · CC BY-NC

Grey seals haul out on the rocky shores of the Garvellachs in significant numbers and frequently enter the water to investigate divers with intense curiosity. Juveniles in particular will swim repeated circles around divers, grab at fins, and blow bubbles in mock intimidation. Scotland holds roughly 40% of the world's grey seal population, and the Garvellachs colony is one of the most diver-accessible on the west coast.

Evidence at this site

6 records within 25 km

Confidence: medium

Seasonality

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How is this calculated?

Sighting evidence is compiled from iNaturalist observation records within a set proximity radius, filtered for quality-grade observations. “Last confirmed” is the date of the most recent research-grade record. Record count covers a rolling 24-month window. Confidence reflects record count, recency, and consistency of seasonal signal.

Also seen at other sites