Seal licensing system: third review
The third statutory review of the operation of the seal licensing system in Scotland under the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010. This covers improvements since the last review and makes recommendations for the future operation of the system.
Part of
7. Summary, recommendations & next steps
The current review identified several areas for improvement within the licensing system. As recommended in the 2020 review, a new application form has been specifically designed for the purpose of conserving seals or other wild animals (including wild birds) or wild plants (S110(1)), to help address the issue of specialist seals predating on wild Atlantic salmon in rivers. Work has also continued to improve the efficacy of non-lethal measures in deterring seal predation, with successful ‘detect and deter’ field trials undertaken by the Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU).
Four main areas have been identified as recommended for further action:
Application process
1. The application process should move to year-round licensing.
2. The application form should be updated to provide applicants with more flexibility to support their application, including the ability for applicants to submit more data and the removal of sub-sections in Section 8.
3. Clearer guidance should be provided on the evidence required to support a licence application for the purpose of conserving seals or other wild animals (including wild birds) or wild plants (S110(1)(c)).
Research licences
4. MD-LOT should work with NatureScot to resolve the delay in granting authority to conduct studies requiring capture and/or sampling of seals.
Shooting of seals
5. The importance of carcass recovery and reporting to SMASS must be reiterated to licence holders and those applying for seal licences.
6. The seal management course must be updated and reinstated.
7. The Seal Management Code of Practice needs to be updated as a matter of priority to reflect the most up to date science and the changes to the purposes for which licences can be granted.
Non-lethal measures
8. Work should continue to improve the efficacy and practicality of non-lethal measures in deterring seal predation in rivers.
The Scottish Government will now consider and develop proposals on how best to pursue the recommendations for further work listed above.
Contact
Email: marine_species@gov.scot