Islanders have been reminded to give seals space after a dead pup was found in St Ouen’s Bay over the weekend, highlighting how disturbance can affect their survival chances.
A deceased seal pup was washed ashore between La Braye and El Tico following Storm Goretti.
The pup was found on Saturday 10 January, with storm clean-up work delaying the collection of its body.
British Divers Marine Life Rescue confirmed that the animal was not a victim of Storm Goretti, explaining that it was likely to have been stirred up from the seabed and washed in by the severe weather conditions.
Channel Islands co-ordinator Donna de Gruchy told Express: “Grey seal pups unfortunately have a high mortality rate in the first year of their life.
“This is a stark reminder of how important the first three weeks is with mum’s fat-rich milk to give the pup the best start. The milk quality that the pup receives and time with mum can determine whether the pup will be strong enough to survive its first year alone.
“It’s a good reminder of why seals need space throughout the year, especially pregnant females. Any stress through disturbance can have a knock on effect of whether a pup could survive.”