Give Thames Seals Space as Sightings Rise, Urges Wildlife Group

As more harbour and grey seals are spotted along the River Thames, Thames Seal Watch urges the public to keep their distance, noting that close contact can cause stress, bites, and disease and may even be fatal. Marmalade the harbour seal died from a parasite, highlighting the species’ vulnerability. There are about 3,500 seals in the Thames estuary, with some moving further upstream, prompting calls for stronger legal protection; Defra says existing laws prohibit taking, injuring, or killing seals.