Thames Seal Watch

Thames Seal Watch is a grassroots force protecting the seals of London’s iconic river. After the tragic death of Freddie the seal in 2021 – killed by an off-leash dog while basking near Hammersmith Bridge – activists, artists, and citizens rallied to ensure no seal would suffer the same fate.

What began as mourning quickly transformed into momentum. Thames Seal Watch emerged not just to honor Freddie’s memory, but to reshape how Londoners coexist with their wild neighbors. Their mission is clear: protect the seals of the Thames through education, advocacy, and public engagement.

One of their first victories was the installation of seal safety signs along the Thames, urging dog owners and pedestrians to “Give Seals Space.” These signs are more than warnings, they’re invitations to see the river as a shared habitat, not just a scenic backdrop. Thames Seal Watch launched the Seal Ambassador Club to empower local communities, especially young people, to become stewards of the river. Ambassadors learn about seal behavior, conservation challenges, and how to respond responsibly to sightings. It’s grassroots education with ripple effects.

Thames Seal Watch has also taken their fight to Parliament, lobbying for amendments to the Wildlife and Countryside Act. Their goal: make seal harassment a criminal offense. By working with DEFRA and local MPs, they’re pushing for legal recognition of seals’ vulnerability in urban environments. Thames Seal Watch isn’t just watching seals – it’s watching us, challenging how we coexist with wildness in urban spaces.