What is the Welsh Government doing to stop the disruption of seals during puppy season?
Answered by Minister for Climate Change | Answered on 26/10/2023
Seals are afforded some protection under the conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations, specifically Habitat Regulatory Assessment (HRA). Disturbance during pupping season would be an important component of such an assessment.
Seals are also afforded further protections through the updated Conservation of Seals Act (as amended) as well as the Wildlife and Countryside Act.
Many locations in Wales have or use codes of conduct that state that disruption to pups and seals on the Welsh coast must be avoided.