Why scientists are counting seal pups in the Thames Estuary

By Helen BriggsBBC News

29 June 2018

Sixty years ago the Thames Estuary was regarded as "biologically dead" and largely devoid of wildlife.

But, in recent years seals have returned to the Thames as well as to the coastal and low-lying lands bordering the estuary.

Last year, scientists recorded more than 3,500 harbour and grey seals.

Now, they are starting the first count of seal pups to see how important the area is a breeding ground.

"These seals are higher predators in the estuary," says Thea Cox, conservation biologist at the Zoological Society of London.

"Knowing how many there are is a really good indicator of the health of the estuary, what habitat is available to them, what food source is available to them."

Continued