Seals

Updated 17 June 2025

This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gov.uk.

Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.

This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/protected-marine-species/seals

1. Seals

The UK is home to two species of native seal – the grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) and common seal (Phoca vitulina). Both species, as well as others, are protected in England (see below).

2. Offences relating to seals

Legislation	To take, injure or kill	To capture or kill	To harm or kill any wild mammal with intent to inflict unnecessary suffering
The Conservation of Seals Act 1970 (Applies out to 12 nautical miles (nm), for all seals)	X
Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (Applies out to 12 nm, for all seals)	X1
Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (Applies out to 12 nm, for bearded, grey, common, harp, hooded, and ringed seals)		X1
Conservation of Offshore Marine Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (Applies from 12-200 nm, for all seals)		X1
Wild Mammals (Protection) Act 1996 (Applies on land)			X
Conservation of Seals (England) Order 1999 (Applies to specific areas on the east and south-east coast of England for common and grey seals)	X2,3

Using a prohibited method
During the closed season
(Applies to specific areas on the east and south-east coast of England for common and grey seals)

3.  Killing or injuring seals

It is an offence to intentionally or recklessly kill, injure or take a seal.

As of 1 March 2021 amendments made to the Conservation of Seals Act 1970  by  Schedule 9 of the Fisheries Act 2020 came into force.

Individual seals can no longer be controlled under the ‘netsman’s defence’ as this defence was removed from the legislation as of 1 March 2021.

If you require more information please contact the MMO’s Marine Conservation Team, see bottom of this page.

4. Rescuing seals

There is a general exception in the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, which means it is not an offence to take a seal which is disabled for the sole purpose of tending and releasing it when no longer disabled.

If you encounter a seal in distress, please do not attempt to rescue the seal yourself. Please contact an animal rescue organisation such as [British Divers Marine Life Rescue.] (https://bdmlr.org.uk/what-to-do-if)

If you relocate seals which are not disabled, you may require a wildlife licence.

5. Wildlife Licensing

A wildlife licence authorises activities which would otherwise be unlawful under wildlife legislation. You must have a marine wildlife licence if you want to carry out an activity likely to commit an offence. A licence will only be granted where the activity satisfies the requirements of the relevant legislation.

The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) is responsible for seal licensing in the English Marine Area (Mean High Water to 12 nautical miles). Please see further information regarding MMO wildlife licensing.

Natural England are responsible for seal licensing in rivers. Please see further information regarding  Natural England seal licensing.

6.  Trading and importing seal products

The trading and importing of seal products is regulated for all species of pinnipeds – seals, sea-lions and walruses – by the Seal Products Regulations 2010.

Please see further guidance from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) regarding Bringing Seal Products into Great Britain.