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Seals and Sea lions are collectively called Pinnipeds. Harbour Seals are the most abundant in Iceland and are frequently encountered on Akurey (puffin colony). There has been 7 species of seals recorded in Icelandic waters but only two of these species breed here the Harbour or and Grey Seal. Seals have been hunted since Iceland was first colonised for both fur and the meat.
| Length: | 1.7 - 1.9 meters |
| Weight: | 60-150 kg |
| Life expectancy: | 25-35 years |
| Est. population around Iceland: | ~ 12,000 animals |
| Social behaviour: | Seen in small numbers |
| Diet: | Fish, cephlapods ( squid, octopus etc.) and crustaceans |
| Suborder: | na |
| Family: | Phocidae |
| IUCN Listing: | Least concern |
| Major threats: | Hunting, entanglement, pollution, climate change, overfishing, viruses |
| Other Names: | Láturselur, Fjordsel, Kystsel, Steinkobbe, Fjordsæl, Spættet sæl, Gemeiner Seehund, Phoque commun, Foca común, Foca-vulgar, Obyknovnnyj [Pjstryj] tjuln. |