A growing number of seals in the Bay of Somme has become a striking feature of the Picardy coastline. The population of harbor seals in the area now exceeds 1,000 individuals, making it the largest such population in mainland France. Including gray seals, the French Office for Biodiversity estimates that around 1,800 seals live in the estuaries of Picardy and the Opal Sea marine natural park. This growth is the result of a long-term recovery process, as the species gradually returned to the area after nearly disappearing in the 1960s due to hunting and pollution. The Bay of Somme provides ideal conditions for seals to thrive. Its exposed sandbanks during low tide, relative calm compared to more developed coastal areas, and rich food sources from the estuary waters have created a "giant nursery" for the animals. Each breeding season contributes to the population's continued expansion, supporting the return of this once-endangered species. As the Bay of Somme becomes a more popular tourist destination, concerns have arisen about the potential impact on the seals. To mitigate this, volunteers from the Picardie Nature association have been patrolling the area since May to educate visitors on how to observe the seals without disturbing them. The region’s conservation strategy emphasizes understanding the species, how they interact with human activity, ongoing public awareness campaigns, and strict enforcement of regulations to protect the seals. The success of the seal population in the Bay of Somme is viewed as a positive sign for other French coastal regions facing similar ecological challenges. However, the long-term sustainability of this success remains uncertain, as the increasing number of tourists could pose a threat to the delicate balance that has allowed the seals to flourish.