North Sea

More than 500 seals born on historic German island in three months

The birthplace of Germany's national anthem and a practice bombing range for British airmen after World War II, Helgoland island in the North Sea turns cuddly at the turn of the year as grey seals arrive to give birth.

offbeat

Rescued seal pups swim to freedom - pics

Keepers released a group of young seals into the North Sea on Wednesday, after spending six weeks rearing them back to health.

Environment

Grey seals return to German Baltic shores

The small population of grey seals on the Baltic Sea has increased significantly, with hopes rising that they may start breeding soon, conservationists reported on Wednesday.

conservation

Fishy demand for North Sea seal cull

The head of a German coastal fishing association failed to make many friends by calling for thousands of seals to be shot to conserve fish stocks in the North Sea. Conservationists were outraged, while politicians rejected the proposal.

conservation

Grey seal watching trips start as population stabilises

The first seal-watching expeditions to see grey seals on the north German coast started this weekend after the population was deemed stable enough to cope with public observation.