Harbour seals (also known as common seals) are known to regularly haul-out within the Donmouth Local Nature Reserve in Aberdeen City. In the 1990s, detailed observations revealed that the River Don was largely used as a resting site, although some foraging also occurred in the river mouth. Seal presence was strongly related to season, with maximum numbers observed in winter and early spring, but notably fewer seals occurring in June and July. Observation of feeding events and analysis of seal scats suggest that the seals are primarily eating marine species, such as salmonids, flounders, and whiting. However, there have been no further studies at this haul-out site, leaving our knowledge of the Donmouth seals severely out of date.

This project aims to initiate a long-term monitoring program for seals using the Donmouth Local Nature Reserve. Through a combination of dedicated surveys and opportunistic observations, we wil be able to collect data on seal presence / absence, haul-out size, feeding activities, and human disturbance. This will help explain the drivers of seal behaviour and habitat-use within this area.