THE GREY SEAL

Sir, - I am currently studying the grey seal population in Ireland, as part of a three year research project at UCC

Sir, - I am currently studying the grey seal population in Ireland, as part of a three year research project at UCC. This work began in 1994 and it is funded by the government appointed Seal Fisheries Interactions Working Group, consisting of an Bord Iascaigh Mhara, the Central Fisheries Board, the Department of the Marine, the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Marine Institute. The present study was cited in a recent article on grey seal interactions with fisheries by Lorna Siggins, entitled "Protected species now seen by many as the enemy" (August 8th). However, there are a number of points arising from the article which I would like to address.

Contrary to a statement in the article, I did not address the public meeting held in Rossport, Co. Mayo. Secondly, the current study is establishing detailed information on the population status of the grey seal, as well as investigating their movements around the coast. Therefore, to refer to the seal population as "out of control" or the "extent of their migration" as a "serious problem" is premature. particularly in the absence of recent research in this country.

We should wait for the results of ongoing studies before considering any culling option. While I understand and sympathise with those affected by seal predation in fishing and aquaculture operations, precipitous action of this kind in unwarranted at this time. - Yours, etc.,

Department of Zoology and

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Animal Ecology,

University College, Cork.