§ Mr. William Rossasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is his estimate of what would constitute the minimum viable population of each seal species found in United Kingdom waters.
§ Mr. BrookeThere is no scientific base for calculating a minimum viable population of any seal species: some species have recovered after being reduced to a few hundred individuals, while others do not. However, if the United Kingdom populations of either grey or common seals were reduced to less than 1,000 to 2,000, their continued existence could not be guaranteed.
§ Mr. William Rossasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is his estimate of numbers of each species of seal found in United Kingdom waters; and where the main colonies of each species are located.
§ Mr. BrookeSeal stocks in Great Britain are regularly monitored by the Natural Environment Research Council 's sea mammal research unit under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970. The most recent estimate of the grey seal population of Great Britain is based on surveys undertaken in 1982 and is as follows:
Numbers South West Britain 3,000 Inner Hebrides 7,500 Outer Hebrides 62,000 North Rona Orkney Shetland 3,500 Fame Islands and Isle of May 8,000 Approximate Total 84,000 The unit's estimate of the common seal population in Great Britain is based on surveys undertaken between 1975 and 1982, and is as follows: 409W
Numbers Inner Hebrides and West Coast of Scotland 4,500 Outer Hebrides 1,300 Shetland 3,800 Orkney 3,500 East Coast of Scotland 850–1,050 Wash 6,600 Approximate Total 20,500 As to Northern Ireland, there are no grey seal colonies. On the basis of a survey conducted in 1978, the common seal population is estimated to be 600, with the largest concentration in Strangford lough.