Where to observe seals on the Opal Coast?
Located in the south of the Opal Coast, the Somme and Authie bays are known to regroup the major part of the French coastal population of harbor seals (1.70 m long and 90 kg in weight). This population is completed by a small colony of grey seals, much larger (length of 2.50 m and weight of 200 kg), which are differentiated by their head and the way they position themselves on the sandbank. Throughout the year, you can see these seals at the tip of Hourdel or at Berck-sur-Mer, at low tide, when they rest on the sandbanks, or at high tide along the shore or the harbors.
But these bays are not the only places to see them. They can also be admired in the Calaisis. While hiking in the Cape Gris-Nez, you can see them from far away along the coastline to Audresselles, often nestled in the notches (they sometimes merge with a rock!). In Boulogne-sur-Mer, they often venture into the harbor, and next to the Digue Carnot. In Portel, the Fort de l'Heurt is the ideal place to see them at low or high tide.
How to observe seals on the Opal Coast?
First and foremost, it's important to remember that this is not about finding the best places to "pester" or "harass" seals. Although it's tempting to get as close as possible, seals are not domestic animals. Despite their "too cute" looks, they remain wild animals, curious, of course, but they can also feel threatened by man. If they multiply so much on our coasts, it's because they feel safe there. To be able to observe it is a privilege, which must be practiced respectfully if we wish to see it continue to thrive. That's why it's best to opt for binoculars to observe them from a distance: at 10x40, the magnification is sufficient to be able to watch them.
Bear in mind that the seal is a marine animal. The sea is the place where they feel safest: in fact, grey seals and harbor seals can reach speeds of around 35 km/h when they're in the water, making it easy for them to find shelter. That's why you're most likely to spot a seal up close when it's swimming, if you're in a boat or kayak, for example, because it knows it can simply run away if it feels in danger. If a seal approaches your boat, stay calm, don't try to pet it, just admire it. Let it choose whether or not to approach you, and respect its choice. With a little luck, he may even keep you company for a long time. If he's on a resting place when you pass by in a kayak or boat, don't stop and sail to the opposite shore to disturb him as little as possible.
At low tide, seals need to rest on sandbanks to regain their strength. This is part of their biological cycle. Their resting time is essential to keep them in good health and allow them to complete their annual moult with sufficient exposure to the sun. This makes it easier to observe and spot them, sometimes in shoals of several dozen individuals. However, it's also when they're on the sand that seals feel most vulnerable and need to be approached with the utmost caution. Seals are fast in the water, but slow on land (which makes their movements sometimes so incongruous to observe), so they know they're in danger when they're resting there. For this reason, it's important to keep a distance and opt for binoculars for better observation.
When seals are in the water, you can sometimes pass by without noticing them. If you're passing near a well-known spot at high tide (the Crans trail at Cap Gris-Nez, for example), keep your eyes peeled. Often, all you'll see is their little head sticking out, which can be mistaken for a rock. If the "rock" moves, it's probably a seal. And often, as soon as you see one, you see the others too! That's why you need binoculars to check whether it's a seal... or a rock.
How do you know if you are too close to the seals?
If you want to make sure you don't disturb the seals during your observation, the first thing to do is keep a minimum distance of 300 meters and avoid driving on their sandbanks. Then, their behavior will tell you what to do:
Seals raise their heads: this means you're disturbing them and getting a little too close. Stop calmly and move back if necessary.
Seals come closer to the edge: you're really too close, so back off immediately and calmly to a distance of at least 300 meters (and don't try to get any closer).
Seals return to the water: they're frightened, and you're upsetting their natural balance. Move away calmly and leave them alone.
Beware of crowds, who sometimes mistake the best-known seal-watching spots for amusement parks.
It's essential to remain calm during your observation: don't talk too loudly or point. Keep an eye on the seals' behavior. It's not up to them to move away, but up to you to adapt. As soon as they react to your presence (see above), it's a sign that you should calmly move back several dozen meters.
Don't hesitate to make your family and friends aware of the disturbance they may be causing this animal. It's by getting to know the seal and acting to observe it without disturbing it that it will continue to feel at home on our coasts.
The special case of the breeding season
Summer is the breeding season for the harbour seal, and it is possible that you will come across a young seal's little face. However, here again, keep your distance. It is important not to disturb a mother with her pup, as this could lead to separation and increase the risk of mortality of the pup, or require outside intervention by a licensed person.
If you come across a mother with her baby, do not approach her. Feeding is only done at low tide, twice a day for three weeks, to allow the young seal to gain weight and develop in good health. If you get too close, the mother may get scared and run away without having had time to feed her pup. Imagine if she is disturbed too often, the young may suffer and not gain enough weight.
Similarly, it is not abnormal to come across a young seal that seems to be alone... but often its mother is watching it from a distance, well hidden in the water. In this case, once again, do not approach because as long as the beach is not deserted, the mother will not return to feed her pup. Move away from at least 300 meters and above all keep this precious moment to yourself and do not broadcast it on social networks. Maybe you are respectful and careful, but the people you could attract will not necessarily be. Don't forget that it is a matter of life and death for them.
If in doubt, contact the Pélagis association (05 46 44 99 10). Do not try to transport the animal even if it seems to be in bad shape, you could worsen its condition despite all your good intentions. Moreover, the seal is a protected species that you are not allowed to touch or transport.
What to do if you find an injured seal?
If you come across a seal that appears to be injured or in trouble, your first instinct is to keep your distance. This animal is protected by law, but it can also be aggressive (like any injured wild animal) or a carrier of disease. So make sure you don't touch it and remain vigilant, while paying close attention to its condition so you can provide some information to the rescue team (is it bleeding? do you see any visible wounds? is it behaving strangely?).
You can then contact Pélagis (05 46 44 99 10), who will contact the appropriate people. If possible, give GPS coordinates of your location (or at least try to find visible, identifiable landmarks). There are in fact four associations working all year round to preserve and protect seals: the Picardie Nature association(http://www.picardie-nature.org/), the Découverte Nature association(https://fr-fr.facebook.com/ADN.Berck/), the GDEAM(https://fr-fr.facebook.com/Gdeam-62-190907624390683/) and the CMNF (Coordination Mammalogique du Nord de la France; http://www.cmnf.fr/).
Keep your distance and, if you can, prevent curious onlookers from approaching, touching, transporting or releasing them. It's not uncommon for people to be desperate to intervene, but seals are wild and protected animals, and only authorized professionals can intervene. Too large a crowd would also cause stress to an already weakened animal, as seals feel very vulnerable when on land. This would only worsen the animal's condition, and is punishable by law.
Thanks to Patrick Thiery of the Picardie Nature association and his volunteers Christine Martin, Corinne Varin and Simon Thiery for their help in putting together this dossier.
