Thousands of seals are shot in Scottish waters each year by the salmon industry alone. Recently, scientists from the Sea Mammal Research Unit reported a ‘frightening’ decline in common seals, yet under the outdated Conservation of Seals Act (1970), it remains perfectly legal to shoot seals in the UK to prevent ‘damage’ to fisheries equipment or stock. The Seal Protection Action Group (SPAG) believes that it is perfectly possible to deter seals without killing them and we would like to commission research into non-lethal anti-predator controls and devices for the Scottish salmon industry. Unfortunately, although some anti-predator methods are already employed, all too often shooting seals is seen as the easiest and cheapest solution. SPAG would like to commission a scientific review of all current predator control methods employed by the salmon industry. The aim is to assess the most effective combinations, but also to investigate new, strictly non-lethal alternatives to shooting seals for use on fish-farms, netting stations and salmon angling rivers. The review would consider: * Effectiveness against seal predation * Availability / practicality / cost * Animal welfare concerns including potential impacts on other wildlife (E.g. whales, dolphins, otters and seabirds) Project cost: Non-lethal predator control report £3,750 Printing £1,500 Distribution £1,000 Total £6,250