Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Ferris for raising the matter. Seals are a protected species under the EU Habitats Directive and seals are also protected under the Wildlife Acts. I am advised two species of seals, grey seals and harbour seals, are common in Irish waters. In so far as the management of the seal population is concerned, I clarify for the Deputy that this is the responsibility of the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, and it is administered by the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

I am aware the inshore fisheries sector is concerned about the interaction between seals and commercial inshore stocks. In January 2016, the National Parks and Wildlife Service accepted an invitation to discuss the seal population with the National Inshore Fisheries Forum, and I understand this discussion was viewed as constructive by both sides. I am also aware of the keen interest in seals by environmental non-governmental organisations such as the Irish Seal Sanctuary, which is active nationally and internationally in marine conservation spheres. I understand from the Marine Institute that a seal and fisheries focus group was set up to bring together industry, science and non-governmental organisations. Membership of the group has included scientists from the Marine Institute, Bord Iascaigh Mhara and the coastal and marine research centre of University College Cork, together with representatives from the Irish Seal Sanctuary and the Irish sea fishing industry. I am advised the group meets on an ad hocbasis.

With regard to research priorities for issues concerning sea fisheries, the Irish Fisheries Science Research Partnership was set up on an official basis to enhance collaboration and mutual understanding on fisheries science priorities that are beneficial to the long-term future of the Irish fishing industry. The partnership includes industry representatives such as those from the fishing industry producer organisations, the National Inshore Fisheries Forum and scientists from both the Marine Institute and Bord Iascaigh Mhara. It meets on a regular basis throughout the year to discuss scientific work programmes and priorities, including those relating to interactions between seals and sea fisheries. With regard to the interaction between seal populations and the conservation of fish stocks, I am advised that seals eat a wide variety of fish and invertebrates. Their diet appears to vary considerably depending on location, time of year and the abundance of available prey. I understand seals also consume salmon and other protected species that are under the responsibility for the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment. I say this to illustrate the complexity of seal-fisheries interactions and particularly dealing with protected species.

In December 2013, Bord Iascaigh Mhara, BIM, published a report entitled Seal Depredation and Bycatch in Set Net Fisheries in Irish Waters. It found the predation impact of seals on landings of pollock, hake and monkfish had substantially increased since the 1990s and recommended mitigation measures such as smart fishing techniques, acoustic deterrents etc. be developed with stakeholder participation. BIM currently has a study under way in conjunction with Centre for Marine and Renewable Energy in University College Cork on the use of deterrents in different types of sea fisheries. A number of trials have taken place over the past year and further trials are planned this summer.

Seals are protected under the EU Habitats Directive and the Wildlife Acts but permits may be obtained under section 42 of the Wildlife Acts to hunt seals where significant damage is being caused. This redress is available, for example, to individual fishermen to control damage to fisheries by seals at particular locations. Permits may be issued by the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs in response to specific applications, with each application considered on its merits. I am advised that anybody with concerns about interactions with seals in particular locations should contact their local National Parks and Wildlife Service ranger in the first instance.

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