Experts used light aircraft to survey Wales’ seal population and found a 65% increase. The survey counted 1,313 seals at 58 sites along the Welsh coast in August 2023. North Wales had the highest seal population, with grey seals mostly concentrated in the north and some along the Pembrokeshire coast. The research suggests that the grey seal population in Wales has increased by 65% over the past 20 years, with an estimated total of at least 5,300 grey seals. The survey aimed to estimate the number of seals feeding in Welsh waters rather than just those raising young at Welsh colonies. The study, conducted by St Andrews University, aims to provide a better understanding of seal abundance across Wales and southwest England.