§ Mr. William RossTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is his estimate of the number of seals of each species present in Northern Ireland coastal waters; how much fish of each species they eat annually; and what research he has carried out in recent years on the effect seals have on salmonids. [20587]
§ Mr. MossIt is estimated that there are approximately 500 common and 200 grey seals in Northern Ireland coastal waters. Data on the species composition of seal diets are not available, but adult male common seals are known to eat approximately 4 kg fish daily and grey seals 5 kg. Taking account of the fact that females and sub-adults eat less, the total consumption is estimated to be approximately 700 tonnes per annum. No local research has been carried out on the effect of seals on salmonids, but from other studies it has been concluded that salmonid fish comprise a very small proportion of the diet of both species.