What future for European seals now the epidemic is over?

Abstract

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?. © 1991, Fauna and Flora International. All rights reserved.