SEALS are on the increase in the Thames Estuary.

The numbers soared by 37 per cent in just one year, new research shows.

A three-day survey, carried out by the Zoological Society of London, found 938 seals this year, compared with 685 in 2013.

They included 489 harbour seals, compared to 482 the year before, and 449 grey seals, up from 203.

The research covered more than 4,000 square kilometres of the estuary between Felixstowe, in Suffolk, and Deal, in Kent.

Conservationists believe this shows how healthy the Thames Estuary has become.

Brian Dawson, 72, of Little Oxcroft, Laindon, who runs seal-spotting trips from Rayleigh and Burnham-on- Crouch, said he was seeing more seals in the estuary – particularly on Foulness and Potton islands.

He said: “The numbers have been increasing over the years.

“On one of the trips I ran in June, we went for two-and-ahalf hours and saw nine pups, much to the delight of me and my guests.

“They’re very curious, quite pesky mammals. They try to work out whether you’re friend and foe. But they’re very interesting.”

Mr Dawson added: “You’ve got to make the effort to see them, but if you’re on the river and search, then you’re likely to see them.”

The large increase in the Thames Estuary is in contrast to a 90 per cent decline in the number of seals seen in Scottish harbours in recent years.

Joanna Barker, a conservationist with the Zoological Society of London, said: “With harbour seal numbers remaining stable and grey seal numbers more than doubling since last year, the result of this year’s survey is a good indicator of the health of the Greater Thames Estuary.

“Grey seal numbers are increasing along the east coast, so it’s not surprising that more are moving into the estuary.

Thurrock Gazette:

“However, it is important that we use the same methodology to complete the survey every year in order to identify these changes, and investigate how this affects the harbour seal population.”

At this time of year, seals take to the sandbanks to shed their coats and grow a new layer of fur ready for the winter, making this a good time to spot them.

The society is encouraging people to keep their eyes peeled and add their own seal sightings to its Marine Mammal Map by visiting www.zsl.org/inthethames.

**********************************************

THE environment manager at the new £1.5billion London Gateway port said he was encouraged by news that seal numbers in the Thames were increasing.

The superport, in Stanfordle- Hope, which since 2008 has embarked on a programme to dredge 27million cubic metres of material from the river in order to make it deeper, has come under fire from fishermen.

They claim the project has caused a decline in supplies of commercial fish, such as Dover sole, which London Gateway denies, insisting that independent surveys show the river is alive and well.

Marcus Pearson, the port’s environment manager, said the seal survey only added to the port’s argument.

He said: “It is very encouraging to see that not only are seals increasing in numbers, but also venturing up river as far as the London Eye.

“This supports all of our current marine survey work, which is showing an increase in numbers of fish species, shrimps and seaweeds, which shows the River Thames is healthy and supporting life across the food chain.”