Harbor Seal Numbers In Freefall - 10% Annual Decline In Orkneys, Slower Declines Elsewhere In UK

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But they are now vanishing in the UK at an alarming rate, warn scientists from St Andrews University. Numbers have halved in the hardest hit area, the Orkney Islands, since 2001 - falling almost 10% each year.

There will soon be "no harbour seals left" in some areas if the mysterious decline continues, said Professor Ian Boyd, of the Sea Mammal Research Unit. Marine biologists are baffled by the disappearances and have begun investigating possible causes, which include illegal hunting and disease.

"The change in numbers is well outside normal limits and the decline appears to be accelerating," said Professor Boyd. "We're worried that over the next 10 years, there will be no harbour seals left in the core area for the animals in Europe." The harbour seal (Phoca vitulina) is found in cold and temperate waters throughout much of the northern hemisphere. The UK is home to 40% of the European population.

Also known as the common seal, they are a familiar sight around the UK's coasts - much more so than their more elusive cousin, the grey seal. However, the latest report shows dramatic decreases in the numbers around most of Scotland.

EDIT

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7760521.stm