Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.

ZSL and RAF collaborate for Thames seal count
The collaboration between ZSL and RAF means the charity can maximise counting accuracy while minimising disturbance.
There are nearly 600 harbour seals and 3,000 grey seals in Thames Estuary.

The Zoological Society of London (ZSL) has teamed up with helicopter pilots from Royal Air Force (RAF) Shawbury in its latest count of the seal population in the Greater Thames Estuary.

The 2024 survey reveals that there were 431 harbour seals and 714 grey seals on the sandbanks of the Thames. Combined with the estimated number of seals in the water, the team believe there to be 599 harbour seals and 2,988 grey seals in total.

These numbers are consistent with those recorded in previous surveys, with the 2021 survey estimating 692 harbour seals and 3,134 grey seals.

ZSL has been conducting regular seal counts since 2013. Through regular monitoring, the conservation charity can not only record the quality of the seals’ habitat in the Greater Thames Estuary, but also develop an understanding of how seals are faring across the country.

This year’s count was conducted over several days in August, when the seals would be most likely to be basking on the estuary’s sandbanks.

ZSL’s collaboration with RAF Shawbury’s Flying School meant that their team could count from both air and sea, using a long-range lens to maximise counting accuracy while limiting disturbance.

Hannah McCormick, from the ZSL, said: “We’ve seen UK seals make an incredible recovery from the early 2000s, when high rates of distemper virus led to steep declines in numbers. Results since 2018 suggest there has been a decline in harbour seals, which has also been seen in other harbour seal colonies in the east of England.

“While the causes of these declines remain unknown, experts are investigating potential factors and by keeping a close eye on these changes we will continue to build our knowledge of seals in the Thames while contributing to long-term regional and national data on seals.”  

Although the Thames was declared ‘biologically dead’ in the 1970s, ZSL’s reports have revealed that it is now home to a wide variety of British wildlife. This includes short-snouted seahorses, critically endangered European eels and both grey and harbour seals – although harbour seals are the only type of the two to breed in the area.

There is also evidence for a rise of important habitats such as carbon-capturing salt marsh.

Ms McCormick added: “From tackling pollution to planting biodiversity-boosting seagrass, we’re working to make these waterways healthy and resilient to future change. It is vital that the health and recovery of our waterways is a key government priority.”

Image © ZSL

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

FIVP Practice Matters podcast returns for Series 2

News Story 1
 The Federation of Independent Veterinary Practices (FIVP) has announced that its podcast, FIVP Practice Matters, will be returning for a second series next year.

The bi-weekly podcast will return on Tuesday, 14 January 2025 with an episode on sustainability with Alison Lambert. The second series will include a range of new and familiar guests sharing veterinary initiatives and news from independent practices.

The podcast is available on Spotify and will now also be released on Apple Podcasts. More details about FIVP and the podcast can be found on its website

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Further cases of H5N1 confirmed in Norfolk

APHA has officially confirmed that two more cases of H5N1 have been found on premises in Norfolk.

Testing confirmed that highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 was present at premises near Attleborough, as well as premises near Hingham in South Norfolk. The case near Hingham follows a slaughter on suspicion which was declared on 23 December.

A 3km Protection Zone and 10km Surveillance Zone have been implemented at each premises, and all the poultry on each premises will be humanely culled.

A third case has also been identified near Beverley in East Riding of Yorkshire.

APHA is reminding bird keepers to remain vigilant and follow biosecurity measures to prevent more outbreaks. Details on the current disease control zones and biosecurity guidance can be found on the APHA website.