Grey seals in the southwest UK are surveyed and photo ID’d all year round, making them the most intensively studied anywhere in the world. Our research data has been presented across 6 continents.

SRT has volunteers across the UK and overseas who share common values, interests and goals. By routinely surveying, recording and photo identifying seals, our amazing team of dedicated volunteers now have over twenty five years of data which informs our charity actions to support our aim. SRT’s huge team effort ensures seals are effectively considered in policy, planning and development decision making. We are still learning new things and insights about our charismatic seals. Some notable examples include:

• Ghost has had 20 pups in 21 years

• Rocket practiced his assertiveness skills where he was born before beachmastering elsewhere

• Sate swam the entire Cornish coast in 4 days

• Tulip belle swam a 900km round trip to pup in the Isle of Man

• Tulip adopted a pup that had lost its mother after losing hers

• SRT have known Chairlift and Shadow puppet for 25 years and counting!

Seals face an increasing number of cumulative challenges from climate change; prey depletion and shifts; bycatch and entanglement; disturbance; habitat loss and pollution (physical and chemical).

We all depend on seals to help balance our marine ecosystem which is vital for a healthy planet. Thriving seas are essential to make the oxygen we breathe. Seals are the UK’s globally rare marine wildlife tourist attraction, helping to diversify coastal economic prosperity. Protecting seals protects our environment, health and wellbeing and economy sustaining our lives and futures.