Seal Licensing
There are two species of seal found around the UK, the Atlantic grey seal, and the harbour (or common) seal. The grey seal is much more common in Wales.
Seals and the law
You cannot kill, injure or take seals.
When you don’t need a licence
It is not considered an offence to take or attempt to take an injured or ill seal for the purposes of tending and releasing it.
When you need a licence
We can grant licences for the following purposes:
- scientific or educational purposes
- zoological gardens and collections
- reduction of population surplus for management purposes
- the protection of animal or human health or public safety
- protection of flora or fauna within protected areas
Seals and fisheries
Since 1 March 2021 there is no defence of killing or attempting to kill a seal to prevent it causing damage to fisheries as the ‘netsman’s defence’ was removed from legislation.
In situations of potential conflict you must consult with Natural Resources Wales, police wildlife liaison officers and the RSPCA. We will work together with you to decide appropriate courses of action to protect fisheries.