During 2002 JerseySeals again continued to acquire
Grey Seal (Halichoerus grypus) sightings with observations during many
months. Weather and other problems, particularly extended mechanical
difficulties with the main sightings boat over several months, prevented the
offshore reefs being visited as often as in previous years. Nevertheless there
were again seal watches at Les Écréhous and other reefs and areas of Jersey’s
coastline. JerseySeals continues to photograph seals and a few
individuals may be identified from year to year. However the creation of a
reliable photographic identification catalogue still remains problematic for
several reasons (see An introduction to Seals) and this is no
longer a priority.
The main projects during 2002 were the publication of articles on this site:
·
An introduction to Seals (dated August 02
and updated through April 03). This is intended to provide the site visitor
with some background information as an introduction to seals - populations,
species, biology, research techniques, habitats, movements, Health and Safety
and legislation issues. There is suggested further reading.
·
Local Seal Species (published August 02 and
updated in December 02). This article concludes that the great majority of seal
sightings are of the Grey Seal although the presence of the Harbour Seal cannot
be ruled out.
·
Jersey Seals 1999 / 2000 (dated August
02). This article concludes that it is no longer safe to regard the status of
the Grey Seal in Jersey as “occasional” - the species is resident in that it is
present year round.
April 2003