Scots seal cull reduced

Figures from Scotland show a decline in kills from 459 in 2011 to 433 in 2012, 274 in 2013 and 205 in 2014.

However, the fish farming industry has come under critisism as campaigners suggest that the real number of dead seals is much higher, as the official figure only includes those which were recorded to the authorities by people who had previously obtained licences.

Scott Landsburgh, head of the Scottish Salmon Producers’ Organisation (SSPO), told the Daily Mirror: “We have championed deterrence ­techniques that are designed to keep seals away from our fish, and shooting is always last resort.

“When a determined seal attacks fish in our pens it can kill and damage large numbers and it is important that we do whatever we can to reduce the chances of this happening.”