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What future for European seals now the epidemic is over?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 July 2009

Mark Simmonds
Mark Simmonds
Affiliation:
Greenpeace Research Associate, School of Biological Sciences, Queen Mary and Westfield College, University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, UK.
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Abstract

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The European seal epidemic killed approximately 60 per cent of harbour or common seals Phoca vitulina in the colonies of the Wadden Sea, Kattegat–Skagerrak and the Norfolk Wash. High mortality was also observed elsewhere. The die-off peaked in 1988 and few affected seals have been reported subsequently. But what of the future? Is the marine environment still able to support healthy seal populations; is there enough suitable habitat for them; is there enough food; what is the impact of pollution on them; and why has no new legislation been implemented to protect them?

Type
Research Article
Information
Oryx , Volume 25 , Issue 1 , January 1991 , pp. 27 - 32
Copyright
Copyright © Fauna and Flora International 1991

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