Least Concern· population increasing· assessed 2016

Grey Seal

Halichoerus grypus

Sighting evidence at Gjógv Sea Cave, Faroe Islands

Grey seals breed and pup in the Gjógv gorge above the waterline and are supremely at ease in the underwater sections of the cave, frequently approaching divers within arm's reach to investigate equipment, exhaled bubbles, and faces. The Faroe Islands host one of Europe's most significant grey seal populations, with animals that have learned over generations that the gorge is safe from human disturbance. Juveniles are particularly interactive and will sometimes grasp a diver's fin or camera housing with their foreflippers, behaviour that makes Gjógv one of the most reliably intimate seal encounter sites in the world.

Evidence at this site

No confirmed records on file at this site

Grey Seal is listed as a curated species here based on historical reports.

How is this calculated?

Sighting evidence is compiled from iNaturalist observation records within a set proximity radius, filtered for quality-grade observations. “Last confirmed” is the date of the most recent research-grade record. Record count covers a rolling 24-month window. Confidence reflects record count, recency, and consistency of seasonal signal.

Grey Seal

Evidence at this site

Also seen at other sites