UK Seas

Discover the wonderful sea creatures that inhabit the UK seas and shores

UK seas is a guide to the fauna and flora found around UK coasts. While the majority of species are marine, some species are included that are regularly encountered on land by the coast, so you’ll find descriptions of non-marine species such as reptiles, amphibians, insects and plants as well.

Grey seal

Halichoerus grypus

Type

Seals, Mammals

Description

Distinctly dog-like face, with a roman nose, visible ears and mottled grey in colour. It is bulkier than the common seal.

Grey seals give birth to pups in autumn, and pups need to be very hardy to survive winter.

Location

All around the UK, especially North and East coasts, but only occasionally in the South East.

Habitat

Rocky shore, Subtidal