A revival in seal numbers has led to an explosion in new colonies along the Wellington and Wairarapa coastlines.

Though winter traditionally brought an influx of seals along the coast and at the North Island’s largest breeding ground at Cape Palliser, numbers and new colonies were increasing, the Conservation Department said.

Wairarapa area manger Chris Lester said compared with three years ago, the seal population was bouncing back and had to expand colonies.

“There is no doubt that there are now a growing number of ‘haul-outs’ as we call them, or where seals come ashore.

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Filed under: Ali Perkins, News/Current Affairs