Seal Welfare in Scottish Fisheries: Conflict, Management and Population

Grey and harbour seals in Scotland face shooting under licence by fish farmers and fishers. Understanding the welfare evidence and alternatives is important for policy advocacy.

Key Facts

Approximately 1,200-1,800 seals are licensed to be shot annually in Scotland
Grey seal populations have recovered significantly since protection in 1970
Seals are shot to protect farmed fish and net catches but effectiveness is debated
Non-lethal deterrents including acoustic devices and exclusion nets reduce predation
Marine Scotland issues licences under the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010
Animal welfare organisations have called for reduced reliance on lethal control

Welfare Considerations

Seal shooting causes acute welfare harm to protected marine mammals. The scale of licensed killing - potentially thousands annually across Scotland - represents a significant welfare concern. Non-lethal deterrents are available and effective but require capital investment. The evidence for lethal control effectiveness in reducing long-term predation is mixed - replacement of shot individuals by others may limit population-level impact. Welfare advocates argue the licensing regime should require demonstration that non-lethal alternatives have been genuinely exhausted.

What You Can Do

Support RSPCA and SSPCA campaigns for reduced seal shooting under licence
Advocate for non-lethal deterrent requirements before seal shooting licences are granted
Choose Scottish salmon from farms with documented non-lethal seal management programmes