Position Statements
MEDIA STATEMENT ON SEAL MANAGEMENT AROUND SALMON FARMS
(See also 'Scientists link killer whales and competition for food to decline in common seals', 23 April 2009)
Responding to ill-informed reporting, Scott Landsburgh, Chief Executive of Scottish Salmon Producers' Organisation, said:
“The estimated figure from lobbying groups is totally unfounded. In 2008 there were 489 seals shot as a last resort after all other detterent methods to dissuade them had failed.
“Given there were over 20,000 seal attacks on farms last year, deterrent devices managed to scare off seals in the vast majority of cases.
“However, one persistent, rogue seal can cause enormous suffering and kill thousands of fish. The welfare of the salmon is equally important,” he added.
Notes to editors:
1. Speaking to the BBC, Callan Duck, of the Sea Mammal Research Unit at St Andrews University (advisers to the Scottish Government), said he believed it was legitimate in some circumstances to shoot seals around fish farms. He said: "If a seal is damaging a salmon cage and releasing salmon into the open water for a ready meal, then probably the only way to solve that problem is to remove the seal as once it has learned to access an easy food source it will keep doing it.”
2. Contrary to sensational media reporting, the Scottish Government estimates that the number of seals shot across the fishing, coastal netting, angling and fish farming sectors is less than 1,000 annually.
3. Scotland hosts one of the world’s largest populations of seals. Seal experts at the Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU) at St Andrews University (advisers to the Scottish Government) estimate that the total seal population in Scotland has grown exponentially since the 1980s.
4. The SMRU also notes that the recent decline in the common seal populations is happening in many regions where there are no salmon farms, for example, Lothian, Dumfries and Galloway and the eastern coast of the northern Highlands.
5. Salmon farmers focus on the deterrence of predators. To protect our fish, all exclusion methods in the industry code of practice, which was developed with the support of seal experts, are explored.
6. Shooting is only considered as a last resort. This is undertaken by specialists, versed in the legal guidelines.
7. Continuing work to deter seals includes sharing best practice, updating farming guidance, development of acoustic deterrent measures, equipment investment and new net trials.
END
To arrange an interview with Scott Landsburgh, contact Ken Hughes on 07974 173739.
| Scientists link killer whales and competition for food to decline in common seals >> click here 23 April 2009 |
Special Committee on Seals (SCOS) Report for 2008 >> click here 23 April 2009 |
Background briefing on the management of seals around salmon farms >> click here April 2009 |