Teesmouth’s
harbour seal population has grown yet again this year with the birth of 18
pups, bringing the total number that call the river Tees home up to 100.

The
seal population has seen remarkable growth over the past 30 years and is
testament to the efforts of industry, regulators, conservationists and The
Crown Estate working together to clean up the River Tees.

Set
amongst industrial towers and chemical factories, Seal Sands at first seems an
unlikely setting for an environmental and conservation success story. However, Teesmouth is the
only known estuary in north-west Europe where seals have re-colonised an
industrialised estuary as a direct result of environmental improvements.

Both
The Crown Estate, who have committed £25,000 from its marine stewardship fund
to monitor the pupping season, and the Industry Nature Conservation Association
(INCA) are delighted that their efforts are continuing to encourage sustainable
population growth.

Gary
Thompson, coastal manager for The Crown Estate, said: ‘We would like to congratulate Teesmouth based
industries, many of whom are tenants of The Crown Estate, for their commitment
to environmental improvement and conservation.

‘The re-emergence of the harbour
seals is a shining example of how industry and nature can thrive side by side.’

Bob
Pailor, director at INCA said: ‘After last year’s record season we are
delighted the harbour seal population at Seal Sands continues to grow.

‘This demonstrates that the
River Tees is in good health and that environmental improvements are having a
positive impact on wildlife.’