§ Mr. William RossTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his estimate of the minimum number of(a) grey seals and (b) common seals required to maintain a viable population in Scottish waters. [81216]
§ Mr. MacdonaldThe minimum number required to maintain a viable population will vary according to a range of factors. Advice in 1998 from the Natural Environment Council's Special Committee on seals indicated that there is evidence that the rate of increase in pup production in some grey seal colonies has been slowing down, although it is too early to predict equilibrium sizes. Common seal populations have recovered from the viral outbreak in the 80s which reduced numbers dramatically, but are nevertheless more dependent upon changes in local prey abundance than grey seals.
From 1 July 1999, this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.