1. Is there any scientific evidence to suggest that a cull of seals will lead to an improvement in the fisheries at some level. One would imagine there should be before a cull is implemented.
2. Figures on the amount of fish seals eat are estimates. These animals spend much of their time underwater, out of sight so estimating how much they eat, or even what they eat, is extremely difficult. As you can imagine.
3. The seal population is "not out of control". That is an emotional statement. The seal population on Sable Island is no longer increasing. The likely reason is the availability of food since there is plenty of space available for breeding on Sable. Thus, nature appears to be controlling itself (!).
4. Lets not forget that toothed whales, dolphins, porpoises and seabirds also eat fish, and of course fish eat fish too. Whales and dolphins are never targeted since they spend ALL of their time underwater and out of our sight.
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2. Figures on the amount of fish seals eat are estimates. These animals spend much of their time underwater, out of sight so estimating how much they eat, or even what they eat, is extremely difficult. As you can imagine.
3. The seal population is "not out of control". That is an emotional statement. The seal population on Sable Island is no longer increasing. The likely reason is the availability of food since there is plenty of space available for breeding on Sable. Thus, nature appears to be controlling itself (!).
4. Lets not forget that toothed whales, dolphins, porpoises and seabirds also eat fish, and of course fish eat fish too. Whales and dolphins are never targeted since they spend ALL of their time underwater and out of our sight.