The Welfare of Seals in Aquaculture Conflict

Seals attracted to fish farms are often killed — non-lethal deterrents offer welfare-friendly alternatives.

Key Facts

Seals cause significant economic losses at salmon farms by predating on stock
Lethal control of seals is licensed in Scotland, Norway, and other aquaculture nations
Non-lethal deterrents including acoustic devices and exclusion nets are effective
Thousands of seals are shot annually to protect fish farm stocks globally

Welfare Considerations

Seal predation at fish farms creates a conflict where the welfare of two animal populations are pitted against each other — the seals attracted to easy prey and the fish in the farm that are injured and killed. Lethal seal control is the most common management response and causes significant welfare harm to shot seals. Non-lethal deterrents — acoustic pingers, exclusion nets, and underwater barriers — effectively protect fish stocks while allowing seals to live. These alternatives are more expensive to implement but eliminate the welfare costs of lethal control.

What You Can Do

Support legislation requiring non-lethal deterrent use before lethal seal control is permitted
Advocate for fish farm exclusion net requirements as a standard practice
Choose salmon from producers committed to non-lethal seal management
Support research into effective non-lethal deterrents for aquaculture protection