Non-lethal deterrents suitable for control of seals from fishing vessels

To understand the interactions between seals and fishing and explore non-lethal deterrents suitable for control of seals from fishing vessels To understand the interactions between seals and fishing and explore non-lethal deterrents suitable for control of seals from fishing vessels

Interactions between seals and fishing gear include depredation (taking catch) of fish catches by seals and bycatch of seals in fishing gear. Throughout England, particularly in the south-west, north-east and east, depredation is an issue for static net fisheries in particular, that leads to significant economic costs from loss of commercial catch, increased gear handling or gear damage. Seal-gear interactions can also lead to seal mortality through either legal shooting (‘Netsmen’s Defence’) or as a result of accidental bycatch. Interactions between seals and fishing gear include depredation (taking catch) of fish catches by seals and bycatch of seals in fishing gear. Click here to read the report