Common Seal - Harbour Seal

Phoca vitulina
As their name suggests, these are the most widespread of pinnipeds.

The male common seal as a shorter life span than females, only managing around 20-25 years as opposed to females who live to 30-35 years. This is most likely due to the stresses and fighting by males during the breeding season.

Common seals vary in colour from black, brown, grey or tan, with darker patches. The pattern is unique to the individual. They have a relatively large head with a short body and flippers. They are opportunistic feeders and hunt fish, molluscs and crustaceans. They make short regular dives, usually to less than 100m.

We had some stiff competition whilst fishing, this seal knew an easy meal was to be had by waiting for the fish to bite. As soon as we started to wheel in the line down it would dive, I quick tug and the link went slack.. another catch lost. We think it had around 15 fish from us all.. which for me was a small price to pay to see this beauty. I've been asked about the fish around these shores, it actually depends on the time of year.. but we tend to go down for the Mackerel and the Dogfish... but make good eating.