A new two-year study aims to investigate the declining seal population in the Wadden Sea, specifically focusing on the unexplained deaths of seal pups. Researcher David Goldsborough highlights that about 15% of pups go missing without a trace. While gray seal numbers remain stable, common seal counts have hit their lowest since 2014. The study will involve collaboration with Wageningen University and seal rescue centers, and seeks to gather data to better understand the issues facing this iconic species amid environmental changes.