Pinnipeds, people and photo identification: the implications of grey seal movements for effective management of the species

摘要: Grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) of the North-east Atlantic are protected at designated European Marine Sites (Special Areas Conservation, SACs) typically during their reproductive periods and in UK Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). As a mobile marine species, grey spend other parts annual life cycle non-designated habitat. There is limited information on individual seal movements south-west England. Citizen science photo identification (PID) revealed 477 regional scale (54 haul-outs up to 230 km apart) for over decade. Reconstructed showed considerable variability. Four SACs were linked 18 sites two SSSIs Cornwall maximum 41 sites. Observations support value existing both well-connected West North Thirteen Protected (MPAs) visited by from four Cornwall. could be included English MPA management plans. The application functional linkage SSSIs, informed evidenced this research, aid efforts. This analysis reveals occur across complex network interconnected that need managed holistically species which has special responsibility.