New group aims to stop seal killing at fish farms

In what is believed to be a world first, Marine Harvest, one of the world's largest salmon farming companies will work with the Seal Protection Action Group alongside Sainsbury's, Freedom Food, the RSPCA, the Sea Mammal Research Unit and International Animal Rescue.

The Scottish salmon industry has reported that 489 seals were shot on Scottish salmon farms in 2008 whereas some welfare groups believe the number of seals shot in Scottish waters by all fisheries interests including wild netsmen and angling interests to be in the thousands. The group will bring together leading experts on this issue, who will work with the industry to identify best practice methods and equipment to deter seals without harming them or other wildlife

As Alan Sutherland of Marine Harvest Scotland explained:  “We appreciate that this has always been a difficult issue for us.  Animal welfare and conservation groups are keen to see an end to the shooting of problem seals and we are keen to find alternative ways to stop problem seals taking fish, damaging nets and releasing farmed salmon into the wild. We believe the best solution is to focus on our common aim, rather than arguing about our differences.”

Andy Ottaway of the Seal Protection Action Group said “We are determined to end the killing of seals and we are delighted that the world’s biggest producer of farmed fish and the UK’s leading retailer of Scottish salmon; the RSPCA and the Sea Mammal Research Unit have all committed to work together with us to achieve our goal.  We hope the solutions we find will not just save seals in Scottish waters every year, but countless more worldwide, wherever they are in conflict with aquaculture and other fisheries.”