CONTAINMENT SPECIAL
to breed and survive in our waters.’
The Scottish Government has provided the answers to the following frequently asked questions below.
How can fisheries and the aquaculture industry protect themselves under the terms of the Act? * The first resort will be to non-lethal seal management measures, such as anti-preda- tor nets and acoustic deter- rents.
* Where these are not effec- tive or practical, sea fisheries, salmon fisheries and salmon netsmen will continue to be able to protect fish, fisheries and gear by applying for a seal management licence.
What is the basis for the new seal licence system? * The licence system is based on the model devel- oped in the successful Moray Firth Seal Management Plan pilot, which involved 12 Dis- trict Salmon Fisheries Boards and 19 active netting stations in the northeast of Scotland. * This pilot reduced local seal shooting by 60 per cent. * It will involve the use of a
Permitted/Potential Biological Removal (PBR), which pro- vides a maximum that can be removed without affecting the wider population.
* The PBR will take into ac- count differences in the size of the grey and common seal populations and between regional seal populations. * It will include consulta- tion with statutory scientific advisers: Natural Environment Research Council’s Special Committee on Seals, Scottish Natural Heritage and Marine Scotland Science.
For what purposes might seal licences be issued? * Seal licences may be is- sued for: scientific research, conservation of other species or habitats, protecting zoolog- ical or botanical collections, preserving public health, preventing spread of disease, preventing serious damage to fisheries or fish farms, or for other imperative reasons of overriding public interest.
How will the new licence system address animal welfare issues?
* For the first time, the new licence system will consider appropriate animal welfare issues.
* It will specify the method of killing or taking seals, the maximum number that can be killed and the requirements concerning reporting any seal deaths.
* It will also specify the general areas and general circumstances for killing or taking, as under the Moray Firth Seal Management Plan.
How will the Scottish Government protect seals during the breeding seasons?
* There is no firm evidence to suggest that significant numbers of pregnant or nurs- ing females or pups are being shot at present.
* The Scottish Government will monitor all seal shootings, including during breeding seasons.
* If it appears that significant numbers of pregnant or nurs- ing females or pups were be- ing shot, the Scottish Govern- ment will introduce additional restrictions on shooting during breeding seasons.
* A complete ban on shoot- ing all seals during breeding seasons, including males and non-breeding females, would effectively prevent fisheries and fish farms from protecting their stocks for 7 months every year.
* The Scottish Stranding Scheme has been extended to seals to allow for post-mor- tems to be undertaken where there may be concerns.
What standards will the Scottish Government incorporate in licensing to ensure that seals are killed humanely?
* The seal licence will specify the method of killing and type of firearm to be used. * The seal system will involve suitable training for nomi- nated marksmen.
* It will consider appropriate distances for any shooting. * The Scottish Government will consider a range of other
www.fishfarmer-magazine.com 85
issues, including the avoid- ance of shooting from unsta- ble platforms.
What will the Scottish Government do to ensure reporting of seals shot? * There is currently disagree- ment about the numbers of seals being shot, with figures ranging from 5,000 per an- num to less than 1,000 (the latest SSPO figures suggest 489). There was previously no reliable way to verify these claims.
* The Act will finally resolve this issue by introducing statutory reporting for all seals killed.
* This reporting will allow the Scottish Government to monitor the potential impact of any shooting on wider seal populations.
* The Act will also introduce heavy penalties, including heavy fines and imprisonment for up to six months for shoot- ing seals without a licence and for failure to report any seal shot under licence. Source: Marine Scotland website
THE SYSTEM IS BASED ON A MODEL DEVELOPED IN THE
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THE MARINE ACT
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