Harbor and grey seals rely on acoustic signals to mate, socialize and defend their territory. Despite their protection by the EU Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) (Annex II), studies have focused on their behaviors, movements and communication from the coast, leaving a huge knowledge gap in the offshore environments and therefore, being unable to determine the proper use they give to those areas and the risks that they can face around them. This study has demonstrated that both grey and harbor seals can be acoustically detected in offshore waters, and that they emit a great variability of calls (some reported here for the first time) over the seasons. Similarities in the vocalizations of grey seals were found with the Scottish and Irish populations, and significant results were also obtained in the vocalization rate of grey seals with diel and tidal patterns. Considering the novelty of the study and its characteristics, no behaviors could be associated. However, the detection of adults and pups of harbor seals and adult grey seals shows the importance of the area for both species, and lays the foundations for future studies, which will help to fully understand them and implement proper conservation measures such as Marine Protected Areas.
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