Thomas Hendry says: “A lack of predators and a plentiful supply of sand eels – which makes up about 70 per cent of the seals’ diet – has helped bolster our seal pup numbers.
“This new record for the grey seal colony is certainly a milestone and could be good news for the health of our seas around the islands, indicating a good food supply due to fishing being limited partly due to several protected areas of sea around the islands.
“Over the next few years we will monitor the effect of a growing seal population and to manage the island habitats accordingly.”
The rangers have also noticed that the seals have changed the place of their rookeries (breeding sites). Previously most of the pups were born on the islands of North and South Wamses, but now many seals try to breed on Brownsman and Staple islands, which offer better protection from storms and high seas.
Record-breaking year for seals further afield
Seal pup numbers have also hit record highs at Blakeney Point in Norfolk, where rangers counted more than 3,000 pups in December, compared to 2,000 in 2014 and 1,000 in 2012. A peaceful and quiet environment is thought to be behind their success.
Leighton Newman, a ranger at Blakeney Point, says: 'We are also fortunate to have a really supportive local community and visitors to the reserve.
'They have helped keep disturbance of the seals to a minimum, sticking to waymarked routes, staying clear of fenced off areas and ensuring that the seals have the space they need.'
National Trust volunteers helped the rangers count the pups between October and December.
