Foreword 

Seals are a natural part of healthy marine ecosystems and can be found around much of the English coastline. 

People may encounter seals while undertaking a range of activities on land, in freshwater, and at sea, including recreation, tourism, and other coastal and marine activities. Disturbing seals may disrupt behaviours such as resting, moulting, breeding or caring for pups (juvenile seals). 

The Marine and Coastal Wildlife Code states that disturbing wildlife can happen by:

• approaching, moving or touching an animal
• crowding, circling, separating or chasing
• feeding them
• making noise
• damaging or changing habitats

The government is seeking evidence to better understand the nature and impacts of disturbance to seals, the effectiveness of existing protections, and the implications of potential future changes to legislation. This will inform policy development on this topic.

Executive summary 

We are seeking evidence on seal disturbance to inform decision-making. This includes questions on intentional or reckless disturbance to gather information on the implications of any potential additional regulation in this area, including any environmental, social and economic impacts. 
Please provide full references for the source material in the response to your questions – we welcome a diversity of types of information.

Using and sharing your information

How we use your personal data is set out in the consultation and call for evidence exercise privacy notice which can be found here https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/defras-consultations-and-call-for-evidence-exercises-privacy-notice.

Other information

This consultation is being conducted in line with the Cabinet Office “Consultation Principles” and be found at: Consultation principles: guidance - GOV.UK.
If you have any comments or complaints about the call for evidence process, please address them to consultation.coordinator@defra.gov.uk.