Cumbria Wildlife Trust criticises proximity of small boats after death of two pups at South Walney.
A wildlife charity has criticised boats for disturbing breeding seals at a Cumbrian nature reserve, following the death of two seal pups.
Beth Churn, marine conservation officer for the wildlife trust, said: "October is usually an exciting time of year for us, as we await the first sightings of seal pups. When mothers with pups are disturbed or alarmed, they return to the water, leaving their newborn pups behind - a reaction known as "flushing".
He highlighted guidelines issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs which state boats - and all other visitors - must keep at least 100m away from seal colonies.Mr Waterhouse said he feared "continued disturbance" could drive the seals elsewhere.The South Walney Reserve is the only grey seal breeding colony in Cumbria
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