Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Protection of Seals

27 June 2023 · 4 other contributors · 3,370 words

Opened by Sarah Olney Lib Dem Richmond Park

Responding minister: Not recorded

Environment

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Sarah Olney raised concerns about protection of seals in Westminster Hall. Response awaited from government.

Key points

  • Concerns raised about the welfare and protection of seals in England and Wales due to human negligence and disturbance.
  • A specific request to amend the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to criminalize intentional or reckless disturbance of seals.
  • Call for legislative action to better protect seal populations from human disturbances.

Key requests to Government

I urge the Government to amend the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to include intentional or reckless disturbance of seals as an offence, aligning legislation with Northern Ireland and Scotland. Additionally, I hope for legislative progress to ensure better protections against human disturbances that harm seal populations.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Sarah Olney Lib Dem Richmond Park

I am concerned about the welfare and protection of seals in England and Wales, particularly after the death of a seal pup named Freddie Mercury due to human negligence. In addition to an incident where a BASE jumper caused distress to a group of seals in north Wales, there are ongoing issues with badly managed tourism and inappropriate individual behaviour that threaten the well-being of seal colonies. According to data from the Seal Research Trust, 68% of human presence near seals results in disturbance.

Other contributors (4)
  • Duncan Baker Con Orpington

    He supported the hon. Lady's efforts and highlighted the large seal colonies in North Norfolk, noting 3,000 pups born annually off Blakeney Point, and suggested that byelaws introduced by the Marine Management Organisation could help to stop seal disturbances.

  • George Eustice Con Camborne and Redruth

    He congratulated the hon. Lady on securing the debate and highlighted the work of the Seal Research Trust in Cornwall, suggesting that marine agencies should be obligated to consider seals when designating byelaws. I am conscious we are potentially close to a Division, so the Minister will want to wind up soon. He is right that there is a comprehensive set of legislation dealing with injuring, killing or taking a seal. However, on disturbance, there may be a gap and allowing inshore fisheries and conservation authorities the power to introduce certain byelaws could make a big difference.

  • Robin Millar PC Dwyfor Meirionnydd

    He thanked the hon. Lady for securing the debate and expressed gratitude towards the North Wales Wildlife Trust and volunteers who look after seal colonies in his constituency, highlighting the need to balance public education with seal protection.

  • Tracey Crouch Con Chatham and Aylesford

    She thanked her right hon. Friend the Member for Camborne and Redruth for supporting the Seals (Protection) Bill, which she introduced in February 2022, arguing that it is necessary to amend existing legislation to protect seals from intentional or reckless disturbance. I am listening to the Minister with great interest. It is undeniable that the Minister and the Department are doing what they can to enhance the protection of seals, particularly through measures in the fishing industry. However, campaigners still feel that not enough is being done to stop the intentional harassment of seals.

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