© Adam Schnabler / LKN.SH
MEKUN: Protecting the oceans
Seals in Schleswig-Holstein
Schleswig-Holstein's coasts are home to two seal species: harbour seals and grey seals. They can be clearly distinguished by their physical characteristics, such as head shape and size. Their birthing seasons are also different. Harbour seals give birth in summer, while grey seal pups are born in winter.
Differences between the seas
In contrast to the Wadden Sea on the west coast, there are relatively few seals in the Baltic Sea in Schleswig-Holstein. Both here and there, populations declined sharply until the 1970s and 80s. They were hunted intensively, especially at the end of the 19th century and again after the Second World War. Due to the hunting ban and improved water quality, the populations have recovered over the past decades. However, there are only a few safe moorings on the Baltic coast where the seals can rest, give birth and raise their young. One of the main reasons for this is the intensive tourist use of the coastal areas.
Hunting
Hunting seals dates back to the Stone Age. Hunting was an important source of income for people on the North Sea and Baltic coasts. The thick layer of fat from the animals, known as blubber, was of particular importance. It was processed into oil, lamp oil, skin care products, fuels and lubricants. Hunts were also organized for sport hunters and bathers at the end of the 19th century. The fact that the extermination of seals was not only accepted at the time, but even accelerated, is shown by a bonus that the German Sea Fishing Association paid out at times for every seal killed. Seals were seen as competitors in the fishing industry.
The complete cessation of hunting in 1974 and the establishment of the national park eleven years later improved the seals' living conditions immensely.
Population recovery
In the early 1970s, only just under 1,500 seals were counted on the North Sea coast of Schleswig-Holstein. The complete cessation of hunting in 1974 and the establishment of the national park eleven years later improved the seals' living conditions immensely. The population has therefore developed well in recent decades. In 2024, around 8,500 seals were counted in the Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea. As around a third of the animals are in the water during the counts, the actual numbers are around a third higher. The Wadden Sea-wide coordinated census flights in Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands are evaluated jointly every year and the results are published by the Joint Wadden Sea Secretariat.
Host City Local Partner
The Ocean Race Europe 2025
© Martin Stock / LKN.SH
Protective measures
Special protective measures for seals apply in the national park, first and foremost the hunting ban. However, measures such as the special protection areas defined in the North Sea Navigation Ordinance also contribute to protection. In these areas, traffic in areas close to the seal moorings is restricted at particularly sensitive times, which prevents disturbance.
Principles for seal management in the Wadden Sea are set out in a regularly updated plan between Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands. This serves to implement a regional agreement on seal management under the International Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species.
© Martin Stock / LKN.SH
Friedrichskoog sanctuary
The Friedrichskoog seal sanctuary is the only sanctuary authorized by the state to rehabilitate seals that have been found abandoned, sick or weakened. The team at the seal station takes care of the rearing, care and release of the howlers. As a rule, two to three months are sufficient to prepare the pups for the wild. A final veterinary examination ensures that no pathogens are introduced into the wild population. Every year, 200 to 300 harbor seals and 30 to 60 grey seals are reared and released back into the wild.
Further information:
www.seehundstation-friedrichskoog.de
Seal hunters protect seals
While grey seals are strictly protected, harbor seals are subject to hunting laws as wild animals, but are protected all year round. Many practical tasks to protect the marine mammals are carried out by specially trained seal hunters employed by the state. The seal hunters have many missions, especially in June and July, where they take care of howlers that have been found. They know how to handle the predators and can expertly assess whether they need help or whether the animals can remain where they were found. Seal hunters are therefore actually seal protectors.
The following must be observed when a seal is found on the beach: Keep a safe distance and do not touch the animals under any circumstances. Dogs must also be kept away. Help can be ordered quickly and easily via the seal app. The seal hunters or the Friedrichskoog seal sanctuary can also be contacted by telephone. The police can also be contacted in such cases.
Robben.app:
Help marine mammals - get the seal.app - Wadden Sea National Park
© MEKUN
Acquire article rights