§ Lord Mackay of Ardbrecknishasked Her Majesty's Government:
What was the total estimated seal population in each of the last 10 years in (a) England, (b) Scotland, (c) Wales, (d) Northern Ireland and (e) the United Kingdom. [HL4228]
§ Baroness HaymanThe estimated figures requested are given below. Figures for England and Wales and Scotland are from the Sea Mammal Research Unit. Those for Northern Ireland are from their Environment and Heritage Service.
Grey seals Year England & Wales* Scotland Northern Ireland UK 1989 7,500 67,000 n/a n/a 1990 8,000 70,000 n/a n/a 1991 8,000 74,000 n/a n/a 1992 8,500 78,000 n/a n/a 1993 8,500 83,000 n/a n/a 1994 8,500 88,000 n/a n/a 1995 9,000 93,000 n/a n/a 1996 9,000 99,000 <1,000 108,000 1997 9,500 104,000 <1,000 113,500 1998 10,000 110,000 <1,000 120,000 *Separate figures are not available. Common seals
Comparable figures for common seals are not available. Latest estimates (1997) are:
- England: 4,500 (There are no common seals in Wales)
- Scotland: 44,500
- Northern Ireland: <1,000
- UK: 49,000.