CONSERVATION ISSUES: Common seals were culled in the past because of their predation on fish from inshore fisheries although they are generally considered to have a lesser impact on fisheries than grey seals.

Protecting Legislation:

• Schedules 5, 6 and 7 of the Wildlife (NI) Order 1985
  
• Appendix III of the Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (Bern Convention)
  
• Annex II and V of the European Union Directive on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora (Habitats and Species Directive).
  

© Jon Russ 2001. Text refereed by Judith Montgomery-Watson.

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