Are Seals Secure in the UK?
Millions of people believe that seals are safe and secure in the UK. They are under the belief that seals are being protected by the Conservation of Seals Act of 1970. This could be misleading information that makes them believe this. Seals are still being killed by fishermen who believe seals are ruining their fishing and fisheries. It is easier to kill the seals than to put up anti-predator nets that would keep seals away from fisheries safely.
Does the Conservation of Seals Act Work?
Although there is no longer a hunt for seals allowed because of the Conservation of Seals Act, that doesn’t mean it works. There are too many holes in the Act that allows wanton killing of seals in the UK. Fishermen are pretty much given free rein to hunt down and kill seals they think are damaging their fisheries. This is causing a decline in the seal population. It is now believed that fishermen are killing seals that are pregnant and nursing. This could really hurt the number of seals that are found in the UK.
After the outbreak of the virus that destroyed nearly 1/3 of the seal population in 1988, the government did step in and make it illegal for anyone, including fishermen from killing seals. After the seals began to increase their population, the government lifted the ban and is now allowing fishermen to kill seals again. It doesn’t seem as if the Conservation of Seals Act works. A new act that completely protects seals should be implemented immediately to protect this endangered species.
Fishermen VS Seals
Fishermen believe that seals are to blame for the reduction of fish in the sea. In reality seals only eat 2% of the annual fish stock. Fishermen on the other hand are responsible for 25%to 30% of the fish stock. Just who is really to blame for the loss of fish species? Most seals don’t target the same fish that fishermen do. There are a few exceptions however. Fishermen don’t seem to care about this fact and will kill any seal they see in their fishing areas.
How You Can Help
You can help to save the seals by signing petitions and giving donations. You can give of yourself and help to keep beaches clean so the seals are not in any danger from pollution. With your help it is possible to get a new Act set in motion that will protect all seals from everyone. This must be done before our seals go from endangered to critically endanger. You can also help fight against seal culls in other countries by signing petitions and urging your government to stop dealing with the countries that still allow culling. Canada is one of the worst for culling of seals. License is given for over 300,000 seals a year. That is 300,000 seals that will be killed in horrible ways. People all over the world are in an uproar because of this cull. Get petitions started and send them to seal sanctuaries that will know what authorities to send them to. Everyone has a part in the conservation of the world. Seals are just a small part that need your help.
Help to keep seals secure by visiting the Cornish Seal Sanctuary in Gweek or the Scottish Seal Sanctuary in Oban which both have an amazing variety of animals from otters and sharks, to a full seal rescue facility and hospital.
Help to keep seals secure by visiting the http://www.visitsealife.com/gweek Cornish Seal Sanctuary in Gweek or the http://www.visitsealife.com/oban Scottish Seal Sanctuary in Oban which both have an amazing variety of animals from otters and sharks, to a full seal rescue facility and hospital.
Author Bio: Help to keep seals secure by visiting the Cornish Seal Sanctuary in Gweek or the Scottish Seal Sanctuary in Oban which both have an amazing variety of animals from otters and sharks, to a full seal rescue facility and hospital.
Category: Society
Keywords: seals fishermen, seals secure, help fight, kill seals, fishermen vs seals