The extent and severity of seal-interactions with fisheries in the United Kingdom

Seal-fishery interactions are a growing form of human–wildlife conflict, often involving depredation, where seals remove or damage catch during fishing operations. These interactions can impose economic costs on fisheries and increase the risk of bycatch and entanglement for seals. We quantified the extent and severity of seal depredation in UK inshore fisheries using fisher and seal surveys and estimates of partially eaten catch. On average, seals depredated 25.5 % (±38.1 % SD) of the catch per fishing event. Depredation rates varied markedly
by gear type, target species, and location. Nets and handlines targeting pelagic and demersal fish experienced the highest losses, particularly when large numbers of seals were observed near vessels. In contrast, traps and shellfish fisheries showed minimal depredation. Our findings suggest that proximity to the seal haul-outs, high-value target species, and passive gear types increase vulnerability to seal interactions. By identifying the ecological and operational factors that shape depredation risk, managers can better design targeted, non-lethal strategies to reduce conflict and support coexistence between fisheries and protected pinnipeds (e.g., seals, sea lions, and walruses).