The Somme Bay, a refuge for seals

Grey or harbour seals?

Two protected species in the Somme Bay

Picardie Nature counted 473 harbour seals and 151 grey seals in the Somme Bay, during the peak period in 2015. Numbers vary with the seasons and mammalian activity.

The harbour seal's coat ranges from light to silver grey with black spots. Some are black, dark grey or brown with white spots. They like to live in sheltered, sandy estuaries. They give birth in the sandbanks in July, during low tide.

The grey seal has a coat that's a darker shade of grey and speckled. Males have even darker coats. They like rocky coasts, which is why there are fewer in the Somme Bay. They give birth in December/January on the rocky coasts: it can be quite an amazing sight in the Somme Bay.

The best spots

for watching them 

Firstly, the seals are protected species. Anyone disturbing the animals during low tide can be fined, so make note of these tips to ensure their protection:

• The Pointe du Hourdel, during low tide, but you can't see the seals with the naked eye, so take binoculars or a telescope. It's best to make an appointment with Picardie Nature, in June, July and August. They are there every day during low tide.
• Authie Bay, during low tide: you can see them from the seawall. Park at the Berck lighthouse, then follow the signs.
• With a nature guide! Several Somme Bay associations and independent guides offer excursions to watch the seals safely. You can watch the colony without disturbing the seals, and the guides can answer all your questions!
• In the ports at high tide (especially in Saint-Valery-sur-Somme and Le Crotoy).
• During a canoe or kayak excursion starting in Saint-Valery-sur-Somme: it's the ideal boarding place to set out to meet seals without frightening them.