Written Question · S3W-18788 · Session 3
Whether it is concerned by the reduction in the number of grey and common seals that inhabit Scottish waters.
The question
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is concerned by the reduction in the number of grey and common seals that inhabit Scottish waters.
The answer
The Scottish Government is committed to the conservation of seal populations in Scotland''s marine environment.
The common seal survey of 2006 first revealed a significant reduction in common seal numbers in the Northern Isles (i.e. Orkney and Shetland) and in the Firth of Tay. There was no comparable reduction in common seal numbers in the Outer Hebrides or in the Moray Firth. The Scottish Government is awaiting the results of the common seal survey for 2007.
In March 2007, in light of our concerns about the decline in common seal numbers, Scottish ministers introduced seal conservation orders covering Shetland, Orkney and most of the east coast of Scotland to provide additional protection for common seals in the affected areas.
I understand that preliminary scientific analyses suggest it is unlikely that any single factor is responsible for the reduction in common seal numbers. The Scottish Government has instituted a major research programme to establish the proximate causes of the reduction in common seal numbers.
Surveys of grey seal numbers have not identified any declines in the national population. The Scottish Government is awaiting the results of the survey for 2007.
The common seal survey of 2006 first revealed a significant reduction in common seal numbers in the Northern Isles (i.e. Orkney and Shetland) and in the Firth of Tay. There was no comparable reduction in common seal numbers in the Outer Hebrides or in the Moray Firth. The Scottish Government is awaiting the results of the common seal survey for 2007.
In March 2007, in light of our concerns about the decline in common seal numbers, Scottish ministers introduced seal conservation orders covering Shetland, Orkney and most of the east coast of Scotland to provide additional protection for common seals in the affected areas.
I understand that preliminary scientific analyses suggest it is unlikely that any single factor is responsible for the reduction in common seal numbers. The Scottish Government has instituted a major research programme to establish the proximate causes of the reduction in common seal numbers.
Surveys of grey seal numbers have not identified any declines in the national population. The Scottish Government is awaiting the results of the survey for 2007.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S3W-18788 by reference.