Protection of Seals under the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010

On the 1st February 2011 it became an offence to kill, injure or take a seal at any time of year except to alleviate suffering or where a licence has been issued to do so by Marine Scotland under Part 6 of the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010  . The method of killing or taking seals is detailed in the licences issued and regular reporting will be required.

It will also be an offence to intentionally or recklessly harass seals at significant haul-out sites under the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010.  The Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU) are currently working on defining significant seal haul-outs based on their aerial seal counts, there will be a period of consultation before significant haul-outs are designated.  Significant haul-outs will be updated annually by SMRU based on their most up to date seal counts.   

See the Scottish Wildlife Watching Code  for advice on how to observe seals successfully without disturbing them.