Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps the Government has taken to protect seals from disturbances since the Seals (Protection) Bill was introduced to the House.

Marine mammals, including seals, are protected in the UK under legislation that makes it an offence to intentionally kill, injure or take any wild marine mammal. The level of protection is therefore already very high and enforced by law. However, work to explore the possibility of further strengthening legislation in respect to seals is underway.

In the meantime, we are taking forward various initiatives to increase public awareness about the impact of disturbance on marine mammals. Defra is drafting a Marine and Coastal Wildlife Code to help minimise disturbance and the risk of harm to marine wildlife, including seals, from encounters with the public. We are aiming to publish this later in 2023.

‘Operation Seabird’ aims to tackle increases in disturbance to marine wildlife, including seals, by providing education and guidance to prevent wildlife disturbances from occurring and, to prosecute with the support of local police forces where necessary. Targeted ‘Days of Action’ involving Police, the MMO and RSPCA, in partnership with other organisations, take place across UK coastlines across to focus on specific concerns regarding marine life for that area.

Together with the Seal Research Trust, Defra launched a Government-backed campaign in 2021, ‘Give Seals Space’, to help raise awareness of the impact that human disturbance can have on seals and to help reduce it. As part of this campaign, Defra is providing funding for signs to be put up on the banks of the Thames to help raise awareness of the impact of disturbance on seals and the importance of keeping dogs under close control.