Seals
Updated 17 June 2025
漏 Crown copyright 2025
This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit 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 /government/publications/protected-marine-species/seals
1. Seals
The UK is home to two species of native seal 鈥� 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 |
| (Applies out to 12 nautical miles (nm), for all seals) | X | 听 | 听 |
| (Applies out to 12 nm, for all seals) | X1 | 听 | 听 |
| (Applies out to 12 nm, for bearded, grey, common, harp, hooded, and ringed seals) | 听 | X1 | 听 |
| (Applies from 12-200 nm, for all seals) | 听 | X1 | 听 |
| (Applies on land) | 听 | 听 | X |
| (Applies to specific areas on the east and south-east coast of England for common and grey seals) | X2,3 | 听 | 听 |
- 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. 鈥疜illing or injuring seals听
It is an offence to intentionally or recklessly kill, injure or take a seal.听
As of 1 March 2021 amendments made to the鈥�� by 鈥�痗ame into force.听
Individual seals can no longer be controlled under the 鈥榥etsman鈥檚 defence鈥� as this defence was removed from the legislation as of 1 March 2021.听
If you require more information please contact the MMO鈥檚 Marine Conservation Team, see bottom of this page.听
4. Rescuing seals听
There is a general exception in the , 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.听
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.听
5. Wildlife Licensing听
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.听
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鈥�MMO wildlife licensing.听
Natural England are responsible for seal licensing in rivers. Please see further information regarding 鈥�Natural England seal licensing.听
6. 鈥疶rading and importing seal products听
The trading and importing of seal products is regulated for all species of pinnipeds 鈥� seals, sea-lions and walruses 鈥� by the鈥�
Please see further guidance from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) regarding鈥�Bringing Seal Products into Great Britain.听
7. Further information听
听
听
听
听
听
听
Bringing Seal Products into Great Britain
8. Contact information
Marine Conservation Team
0300 123 1032