Seals and sea lions frequently interact with fisheries, causing welfare harm from entanglement and bycatch while also creating conflict with fishers. Management approaches affect individual seal welfare.
Seal and sea lion welfare in fisheries interactions encompasses both the welfare of entangled animals and the welfare implications of lethal conflict management. Animals entangled in gear experience injury and sometimes prolonged suffering before death or rescue. Lethal control of seals predating at salmon runs kills individuals without addressing the underlying conflict causes. Non-lethal deterrence and gear modification reduce both welfare costs and long-term conflict.