HC Deb 01 March 1999 vol 326 cc554-5W
Mr. Soames

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what assessment he has made of seal damage to salmon in the last five years. [73908]

Mr. Macdonald

Seals are opportunistic predators which take whatever prey is locally abundant, and only by studying rivers on a site-by-site basis can the effects of seals on salmon be measured.

A study based on direct observation of seals and their impact on salmon in the estuaries of the Rivers Dee and Don was conducted between 1993 and 1996. This found that common seals were the most prevalent species, that peak numbers were seen in the winter months, but that the number of individual seals was very low.

A new project studying the interaction between the two species has begun on the River Conon, funded by The Scottish Office, through the Marine Laboratory, and Aberdeen University.

There are no estimates of predation on salmonids in the open sea.

From 1 July 1999 the protection and management of seals in Scottish waters will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.

Mr. Soames

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what proposals he has to control the seal population. [73909]

Mr. Macdonald

A delicate balance must be struck between maintaining a sustainable population of seals and protecting legitimate fishing interests. Current legislation provides local solutions to local problems.

Under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen are permitted to shoot seals during the open seasons, providing an appropriately licensed firearm is used. Limited shooting under licence is permitted during the close seasons for the prevention of damage to fisheries. Throughout the year, fishermen may shoot seals to prevent them from causing damage to a fishing net or fishing tackle, or to any fish captured by that net or tackle.

In April 1998 we announced the lifting of the year round protection given to common seals in Shetland under the Conservation of Seals (Common Seals)(Shetland Islands Area) Order 1991. We have no plans at present to change the existing management regime. This matter is kept under constant review.

From 1 July 1999 the protection and management of seals in Scottish waters will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.