Tourists Harm Seals on Great Blasket Island Amid Urgent Calls for Action

URGENT UPDATE: Tourists visiting the popular Great Blasket Island in Co Kerry, Ireland, are causing significant distress to the country’s largest grey seal colony, prompting immediate calls for protective measures. New reports reveal alarming incidents of tourists disturbing seal pups for selfies and flying drones, leading to mothers abandoning their young.

Concerned residents on the island, who have witnessed these incidents “almost daily,” have urged local ministers to take action, warning that seal pups could “perish” without stronger protections in place. A letter sent to the Heritage Minister highlights the dire situation, stating, “As things stand, if no action is taken, it is an absolute certainty that seal pups will perish as a direct result of tourist disturbance.”

Experts are echoing these calls for stricter regulations. María Pérez Tadeo, a marine mammal biologist, stated, “The consequences are so serious. If 1,000 seals have to leave a place that they’ve been using for so many years, where do they go?”

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) maintains that the seal population is “extremely well conserved” and “not in any danger.” However, in light of the incidents, the NPWS emphasizes its commitment to protecting the biodiversity of Great Blasket Island.

Despite the NPWS’s reassurances, the situation remains critical. Earlier today, it was reported that 430 seal deaths were recorded in 2023, more than double the 201 deaths reported just three years ago. This spike raises alarms about the ongoing threats to seal populations, particularly from human disturbances.

In a tragic incident last year, a seal pup died after being picked up by tourists for a selfie and thrown back into the sea, unable to swim. Witnesses expressed heartbreak as they observed tourists continue to approach seals, despite warnings and signage indicating the need for caution.

“It would be incredibly regrettable for this to happen to one of Ireland’s national treasures,” residents implored in their letter to authorities. “Yet, after multiple notifications, disturbances continue.” Despite the installation of new signs, locals fear that insufficient action is being taken to safeguard the seals.

Recent research highlights further threats to the grey seal population, including injuries from fishing nets and disturbances from tour boats. Pérez Tadeo noted, “Grey seals need time on the beach to rest, breed, and mate. When disturbed, they leave, and that impacts their well-being.”

As the summer tourist season progresses, the situation remains precarious. Authorities are urged to consider closing the beach during critical pupping times to protect these vulnerable animals. The NPWS continues to assert that current visitor movements do not significantly threaten the seal population, yet the growing concerns from residents and experts suggest the need for more proactive measures.

As discussions unfold, the human impact of these disturbances becomes clear. Residents report daily distress witnessing tourists disregard signs and approach seals. “It’s heart-wrenching to watch,” they lamented.

The Great Blasket Island is home to approximately 2,000 grey seals, and their protection is crucial for maintaining biodiversity in the region. With ongoing discussions about regulations and visitor education, the situation remains urgent as officials, scientists, and the public grapple with the balance between tourism and wildlife conservation.

Authorities and conservationists are calling for immediate action to ensure the safety of these marine mammals and to educate visitors on the importance of maintaining a respectful distance. As the summer continues, the plight of the grey seals on Great Blasket Island demands urgent attention.