MMO: Assessing Options for Non-lethal Seal Deterrents

To improve specificity of advice given by the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) in its work to conserve protected species, enable sustainable marine fishing activity and reduce conflict, the MMO seeks better understanding of non-lethal deterrents suitable for control of seals from fishing vessels. This project will improve understanding of seal depredation (seals eating the catch from the fishing gear) including what assists and influences the behaviour and how substantial the impacts on English fisheries. The project will: - Review what non-lethal measures, gear modifications or fishing tactics are currently available to reduce seal depredation and bycatch for static net fisheries at sea. - Clarify what impacts may result to the fishing industry, managers and seals of using such non-lethal deterrents. - Field test the most promising deterrent approaches.