§ 47. Mr. John Townendasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what action the Government are taking to reduce the grey seal population in the North Sea to protect the salmon fisheries; and if he will estimate the value of fish consumed in a year by seals in coastal waters.
§ Mr. John MacKayMy Department is in close consultation with conservation and fishery organisations in regard to a scientifically-based management plan for the grey seal population in Scottish waters. I have not yet decided what if any management action should be taken this year. The case for management rests essentially on the estimated impact of grey seals on exploited fisheries, including salmon. The most recent scientific assessment is that produced by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea, in 1979, a copy of which I am sending to my hon. Friend.
My right hon. Friends, the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Fcod, and the Secretary of State have commissioned the Natural Environment Research Council to carry out a programme of research into the interaction of seals and fisheries. One component of that research is concerned with clarifying the impact of grey seals on local fisheries.