Least Concern· population increasing· assessed 2026

Atlantic Grey Seal

Halichoerus grypus

Sighting evidence at Skomer Island, Wales (Pembrokeshire)

Skomer's seal colony of several hundred individuals is one of the largest in Wales, and underwater encounters are among the most interactive in Britain — young seals in particular mouth fins, tug BCDs, and spiral around divers in extended play sessions. The seals use the kelp forests as hunting grounds, and divers often witness high-speed pursuit chases through fronds as the seals ambush wrasse and pollock. Autumn brings noisy pupping season on shore; underwater juveniles are particularly curious and bold from December onward.

Evidence at this site

80 records within 25 km

Confidence: high

Last confirmed Jul 2026

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.

Atlantic Grey Seal

Evidence at this site

Seasonality

Also seen at other sites