Seals
- When killing is permitted, only certain types of gun and ammunition can be used.
- All poisons are prohibited.
Seals are protected under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970. The Act sets out prohibited methods of killing seals, which include certain types of guns and all poisons. The Act also lays down close seasons during which seals cannot be killed or taken, except under licence for the prevention of damage to fisheries. The close seasons are different for common and grey seals because their breeding times are different. The close season for common seals is between 1st June and 31st August; the close season for grey seals is between 1st September and 31st December. Good identification skills are therefore essential for control in these periods. Conservation Orders can be made which extend the close season throughout the year – currently this applies to the Moray Firth. Seals are given additional protection from indiscriminate methods of killing or taking by the Conservation (Natural habitats &c.) Regulations 1994 as amended.
Killing a seal to prevent damage to fishing gear or fish caught in that gear is not an offence and neither is killing or injuring a seal by accident, provided that your actions are not reckless. Caring for a disabled seal before releasing it is allowed.
The Scottish Executive has a comprehensive online guide to legislation on marine mammals. Their Legislative Matrix for the Management of Scottish Seal
Populations is particularly helpful.
The Scottish Marine Wildlife Watching Code provides guidance to those wishing to observe seals and other marine wildlife.