Written Question · S4W-19280 · Session 4
which fish farms that do not employ non-lethal seal management measures have (a) applied for and (b) been granted seal licences in each ye…
The question
To ask the Scottish Government which fish farms that do not employ non-lethal seal management measures have (a) applied for and (b) been granted seal licences in each year since 2007.
The answer
Under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, prior to 2011, seal licences were not required by fish farms to control seals and none were issued.
A new seal licensing system was introduced under the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 and, since 2011, annual information on seal licences issued to fish farms can be found on the Scottish Government website at the following link:
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/marine/Licensing/SealLicensing
Marine Scotland only has information on the presence or absence of non-lethal measures in respect of those fish farm sites, which are included in applications for seal licences. We have no information on fish farm sites not involved in seeking a seal licence.
In 2011, 98% (230) of active fish farms used non-lethal measures. In the subsequent years, 2012 and 2013, 100% (230 and 225 respectively) of active fish farms used such measures.
According to the latest information received by Marine Scotland, the following non-lethal seal management measures are used by fish farms which have been granted seal licences:- 100% use tensioned nets, 62% use acoustic deterrent devices (ADDs), 2% use double nets, 9% use anti-predator nets and 22% use seal blinds.
The non-lethal measure that is generally considered to be most effective against seals is tensioned nets, which although designed to keep fish contained also help to keep seals out. All fish farms seeking a seal licence have such nets installed. There are, however, a number of restrictions on the ability of fish farms to make use of other non-lethal measures, usually due to their potential impact on other marine species.
Marine Scotland continues to work closely with the industry to extend the use of non-lethal measures.
A new seal licensing system was introduced under the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 and, since 2011, annual information on seal licences issued to fish farms can be found on the Scottish Government website at the following link:
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/marine/Licensing/SealLicensing
Marine Scotland only has information on the presence or absence of non-lethal measures in respect of those fish farm sites, which are included in applications for seal licences. We have no information on fish farm sites not involved in seeking a seal licence.
In 2011, 98% (230) of active fish farms used non-lethal measures. In the subsequent years, 2012 and 2013, 100% (230 and 225 respectively) of active fish farms used such measures.
According to the latest information received by Marine Scotland, the following non-lethal seal management measures are used by fish farms which have been granted seal licences:- 100% use tensioned nets, 62% use acoustic deterrent devices (ADDs), 2% use double nets, 9% use anti-predator nets and 22% use seal blinds.
The non-lethal measure that is generally considered to be most effective against seals is tensioned nets, which although designed to keep fish contained also help to keep seals out. All fish farms seeking a seal licence have such nets installed. There are, however, a number of restrictions on the ability of fish farms to make use of other non-lethal measures, usually due to their potential impact on other marine species.
Marine Scotland continues to work closely with the industry to extend the use of non-lethal measures.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S4W-19280 by reference.