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Common and Grey Seal

Although they may be seen anywhere in the Lough, the best views from land are when they are on rocky haul-outs close to the shore, for example Cloghy Rocks just outside Strangford, Castle Ward Bay, Granagh Bay south of Portaferry and near Ballyhenry Isand just north of Portaferry.

Seals are efficient swimmers, with large hind flippers propelling a streamlined cylindrical shape. A thick water repellent coat and layers of blubber reduce heat loss. Grey and common seals normally dive for five to ten minutes which can be repeated many times, but they are capable of staying down for up to half an hour and can reach depths of 50 metres.

Grey Seal

Grey seal bulls are up to 2 metres long with larger heads and necks than the slightly smaller females. The flatter head and long "Roman" nose with parallel vertical nostrils distinguish the grey from the common seal. The adult coat is dark to light grey with large patches of cream, brown or black.

Common Seal

Common seals of both sexes are smaller than grey seals at 1.75 metres, they have doglike heads with concave snouts and v-shaped nostrils. The coat of adults and pups is grey, while juveniles or moulting adults are brown .

Both species need to spend time hauled-out of the water on rocks, islands and pladdies for rest, warmth, birthing and nursing their pups. Common seal pups are born in June or July and can take to water immediately. Grey seal pups are born white furred between September and November, remaining on land for 3-4 weeks until weaned."

The Phocine Distemper Virus in 1988 which affected most seal populations in the British Isles, killed a large number of seals from the Strangford Lough area.

Grey Seal picture courtesy of Northern Ireland Environment Agency.

Related Publications

Common Seal Research and Management SLMC Report July 1999

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