Gray seal population in the Wadden Sea: record numbers for 2025!

Gray seal population in the Wadden Sea: record numbers for 2025!

Today it becomes clear that the Wadden Sea on the north German coast is not only an important habitat, but also a place of remarkable developments in the animal world. According to the latest counts, there has been a surge in the gray seal population spanning Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands, as well as Helgoland. Over the past five years, gray seal numbers have increased by nearly 10 percent annually, delighting and surprising local conservationists and researchers.

The increase in newborn gray seals is particularly impressive, with an average increase of around 12 percent. Current surveys from 2024/2025 have already recorded 3,051 newborns and a total of 12,064 gray seals. This is the highest level since counts began in 2008. There is also real reason for joy in the increase in newborn seals, which has increased by a whopping 20 percent compared to the previous year Yahoo News reported.

Regional stock figures and trends

The distribution of gray seals across the different regions in the Wadden Sea is also significant. Around 8,600 gray seals live in the Dutch part, which corresponds to around 71 percent of the total population. There are around 1,500 animals (13%) in the Lower Saxony Wadden Sea and around 1,000 (9%) on Heligoland. In Schleswig-Holstein there was a remarkable increase of 74.5% in the gray seal population, while in Heligoland the numbers fell by 37%. In the Danish Wadden Sea, however, fewer gray seals were counted, which leads to a certain uneasiness.

What could be the reason for these differences? Scientists are unsure of the exact causes and are calling for further studies to better understand the temporal and regional changes. Another focus is on the decline in the seal population, the causes of which could also lie in a possible competition situation with the increasingly present gray seals. Ursula Siebert, an expert in this field, pointed out the need for increased research efforts across national borders in order to be able to collect and evaluate data more effectively Environmental portal Schleswig-Holstein highlights.

Research data and methods

A closer look at the counting methodology shows that the gray seal recordings took place between November and April. As is well known, these months fall during the birth season and the shedding season. The most reliable data comes from special counting flights that have been carried out since 1989 and which observe not only the gray seals, but also the harbor seals in the Wadden Sea. However, the data is unfiltered and requires systematic analysis for more accurate inventory calculations. Here it becomes clearer how important good research is to understand the changes in these important ecosystems.

Overall, it shows that the Wadden Sea is not only a heart of nature, but also a place of constant change and challenges. It remains to be seen whether it will be possible to sustainably secure gray seal populations and at the same time stop the decline in harbor seals. One thing is certain: the protection of these animals and their habitats will remain a central issue in the coming years.