Hunger Strike 4 Seals

Marine Concern Goes "dot-com"

2010-05-18T16:50:00.006+01:00

Marine Concern goes ".com"; try it for yourself at www.marineconcern.com

You can leave a comment or start a thread on the Guestbook page.

"Scotland is already taking decisive action to protect seals": Another two seals shot!

2010-04-27T12:18:00.001+01:00

It should have been listed on April the first! The actual date of the ForArgyll article listing below was the 5th; but the following statement is just as comical; that is if it were not serious:

Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead says: ‘Of course, Scotland is already taking decisive action to protect our seals. For the first time, it will be illegal to shoot a seal at any time of the year, unless a licence has been granted under very strict conditions. Penalties for shooting seals will be strengthened to include possible imprisonment alongside a new licensing and reporting system’.

“SCOTLAND IS ALREADY TAKING DECISIVE ACTION TO PROTECT SEALS”; so you would be forgiven to expect that the shooting of two seals close to the Kyles of Lochalsh and the Marine Harvest fish farm would have been dealt with appropriately.

It appears that protection for seals under the new Marine (Scotland) Act won’t take place until next year: Remember what the Cabinet Secretary said; “Already taking decisive action”.

Through Marine Concern I’m looking into the shooting and as the Marine Environment Editor of http://forargyll.com I will be writing an article very soon.

In the mean time, with elections just a week away; who will you be voting for?

Have your say on my Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/seasfree

Scottish Government; Do it Again, Spin, Spin, and yet more Spin!

2010-04-05T12:04:00.001+01:00

It’s not often that I lose my rag but this latest release and the comments from the Scottish Cabinet Secretary, (supposedly) for the Environment have triggered a response; one that the Editor of For-Argyll thought that it might, read the article and my response at: http://forargyll.com/2010/04/is-this-the-start-of-better-protection-for-scotlands-seals/

Have your say in the comments section of the For-Argyll article or on my Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/seasfree

What you didn’t read in the newspapers about Scotland’s Marine Bill...

2010-03-24T11:10:00.002Z

The following has been lifted from the recent COAST
E-Newsletter; you can explore further on the COAST website: http://arrancoast.com

The Marine (Scotland) Act recently received Royal Assent. Greeted with general enthusiasm and optimism by the national press, a few stories failed to hit the headlines – namely that Scotland lags far behind its southern neighbours...

The Marine (Scotland) Act is in part designed to fulfil Scotland’s legal obligation to establish coherent network of MPAs by 2012. COAST have been asking Marine Scotland civil servants and our politicians for over five years just how that coherent network of MPAs is going to be implemented in such a short time scale. COAST have stated on many occasions that the ill-fated SSMEI projects have wasted three valuable years. We look down south to the Finding Sanctuary project set up in 2005 which trialled bringing all stakeholders together. In our opinion Finding Sanctuary and all the other projects now rolled out around England encourage everyone with an interest to get involved. Could it be that there is political will in England to involve all stakeholders whereas in Scotland there is a lack of political will to allow coastal communities a legitimate say in the management of the sea?
Last week the new IFCAs Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authorities in England & Wales advertised for Committee members. In Scotland both the SSMEI and, even worse, the controversial IFGs (Inshore Fisheries Groups) remain a closed shop to new committee members, instead representing largely the interests of the fishing associations.

The Scottish government seems to struggle with its understanding of just who the sea belongs to and the Scottish people who legally own the resource will one day bite the government where it hurts. COAST have warned the Government continually, but in our opinion it continues to ignore the majority of legitimate stakeholders.

Have your say on my Facebook Wall: http://www.facebook.com/seasfree

Royal Assent for Marine Bill

2010-03-23T11:16:00.003Z

Scotland's Marine Bill receives Royal Assent (10/03/2010).

The following has been lifted from the Scottish Government’s website;
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2010/03/10150214
(my comments at the end)

Scotland's seas. It introduces a duty to protect and enhance the marine environment and includes measures to help boost economic investment and growth in areas such as marine renewables.
The main measures include:
• A National Marine Plan to give greater clarity to decision making in the marine environment and encourage investment
• A simpler licensing system to cut bureaucracy and introduce efficiencies to encourage economic investment and growth
• New powers to select and manage Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) to enhance marine biodiversity and preserve historic assets
• Much improved protection for seals, including a comprehensive licence system and tougher penalties for those who harm seals
• The powers in the Act complement the provisions of the UK Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009, which created new responsibilities for Scottish Ministers on marine planning and conservation in offshore waters outside 12 nautical miles (nm)

Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead said this marks a major turning point in safeguarding the future of Scotland seas and laying the foundations for a more simplified marine planning and licensing system. He said:

"Scotland's seas are home to some of the world's most spectacular wildlife and habitats, and have the potential to power our nation through wind and wave and create tens of thousands of new jobs. We have reached a turning point and must modernise in order to meet increasing and competing demands on our seas.

"Marine Protected Areas will help us protect important marine habitats and species and we will work closely with others to ensure that the site selection process is underpinned by sound scientific advice. These new powers will also allow us to be more joined up with our crucial fisheries industry.
"The development of renewable energy is vital in our fight against climate change, and our seas will become increasingly important in meeting this challenge. This new framework will ensure that our seas continue to oil our economy and put food on our tables.

"Improved planning and licensing will support the development of renewable marine energy. We owe it to future generations to ensure our seas are managed and harvested sustainably. Economic growth is vital, but it should be balanced with protection for our stunning marine environment."
New conservation powers will enable Scottish Ministers to designate Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) to help support the conservation of important marine life, historic MPAs to protect historically important sites such as wrecks or national monuments, and demonstration and research MPAs, to demonstrate new methods of managing Scotland's unique marine environment.

Marine Scotland will be responsible for new marine nature conservation powers under the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 and through executive devolution of nature conservation in offshore waters under the UK Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009. Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) will work with Marine Scotland and stakeholders on a project to consider new and existing survey data and provide advice to Scottish Ministers on where MPAs for the conservation of Scotland's most important marine features should be designated to complete a network of MPAs. SNH will be responsible for advising on the site selection process for inshore sites (within 12 nautical miles from the coast), whilst JNCC will advise on offshore sites (between 12 and 200 nautical miles from the coast).

All Scottish MPA proposals will be established using science-based selection criteria, or equivalent information on features of historical importance. However, social and economic impacts will be taken into account where two or more alternative sites equally meet the scientific criteria and when making decisions concerning the management of specific sites. As such, additional data from sea users will need to be gathered to ensure the development of an effective network of MPAs across Scotland's seas.

Scotland's seas generate industry worth around £22 billion (£2.2 billion excluding oil and gas) and provide 50,000 jobs in Scotland (excluding oil and gas). Scotland's seas support approximately 6,500 species of plants and animals (44,000 if microbial species are included). Scotland holds a quarter of Europe's total tidal and offshore wind resource and 10 per cent of its potential in wave power. By 2020 it is anticipated that over 7GW of power will be generated from these renewable energy sources, equivalent to nearly 50 per cent of Scotland's electricity consumption. Offshore renewables will experience huge growth over the next 10 years, with approximately £30 billion set to be invested in Scottish waters.

The Bill will make it an offence to kill or take any seal at any time, except under specific licence or for animal welfare reasons. Restrictions on shooting seals will be extended to apply throughout the year. There will be additional protection for seals against harassment at major haul-outs. Penalties for any breaches of the law will be brought into line with other wildlife legislation.
The JNCC is the statutory advisor to Government on UK and international nature conservation. For specific enquires please contact: scottishmpas@jncc.gov.uk

SNH is the Government's advisor on all aspects of nature and landscape across Scotland. SNH will be advising on the selection of MPAs for nature conservation in Scottish inshore waters (out to 12 nautical miles).

Well there you have it! It would have been a lot worse if numerous NGOs, other groups, and individuals had not been working hard behind the scenes, lobbying MSPs.

Will it work?

Will we get MPAs?

Only time will tell. In the meantime;

Will seals continue to get shot...YES!
Despite the massive losses of Common Seals and now Scottish seals face another problem; that of stomach and lung parasites. This latest problem to face the dwindling Common Seal population has hit the young seal pups with vengeance.

During the last month I have been watching a young pup just outside my house. That’s not unusual, but this is March and the seal looked as if it was just a few months old (they are born between June to Sept., remember the hunger strike period). Something was clearly not right.

The seals’ body washed up on the shore last week. It appears that young seals especially in the Oban to Fort William area are suffering from parasites. Bob Reid from the Scottish Agricultural College tells me that, when these seals are washed up, they cause no problems to other seals or people.

Any bodies found can be reported to: Veterinary Services on 01463 243 030.

Last Chance for Scotland's Seas

2010-01-29T17:24:00.000Z

Thursday the 4th of February sees Stage Three of the Marine (Scotland) Bill; this is where the Bill is debated in Holyrood.

As it stands there are many areas within the Marine Bill left wanting; it has become far from the all encompassing legislation that will enable real sustainability both for us and the marine environment. Never has the term; “Out of sight, out of mind” become so pertinent. Once again Scotland’s commercial sectors, those which hold a vested interest have influenced Scotland’s Politicians; the next few days are vital, if there is going to be any chance of winning over the debate for a healthy truly sustainable future; our legacy to the next generation.

The following article may be of interest; also it contains two links to online forms by NGOs, an easy way to voice your, last chance to your MSPs

http://forargyll.com/2010/01/last-chance-for-scotlands-marine-environment/

Two major gaps within the current processes remain; firstly that of Marine Protected Areas or MPAs as they are known around the world. The problems here are that they have different meanings, different implications depending upon location and view point. MPAs that really work, both in improving fish stocks and protecting habitats and biodiversity are those that include regions of “No-Take-Zones”. Currently the Marine (Scotland) Bill is very weak concerning what would be better defined as Highly Protected Marine Areas.

The second gap is that of protecting seals; the need for further protection has at last been recognised; one prosecution in 30 years under the current Conservation of Seals Act is a clear indication of just how useless the present protection for seals actually is. Recent headlines have suggested that the Marine Bill offers significantly better protection for seals that is not difficult to achieve with the outdated seals legislation. But we still find ourselves far short of entering the 21st Century, with modern ideals.

Have your say on my facebook page;
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000336590722&ref=profile

Please ask your Parliamentary Members to get the facts about seals and Highly Protected Marine Areas. Find your MP/MSP/MEP at www.writetothem.com

Last Chance for Scotland's Seals and Ecosystems as we know it!

2010-01-23T11:43:00.000Z

The Scottish Parliament is about to debate the Marine (Scotland) Bill within Stage Three of the Bill’s process: this is the last chance to amend what will become one of the most useless pieces of legislation, in our time, in Scotland if it goes through as is; it will be an utter waste of public money, providing little of the protection our marine ecosystems need to survive people pressures in the 21st Century.

It does not allow for much needed “No-Take-Zones”, making Marine Protected Areas little more than paperwork exercises.

Killing of seals will continue, despite evidence from the Scottish Salmon Producers Organisation to the Rural Affairs and Environment Committee stating that Common Seals are “Too small, too slight to damage fish farm nets”. The fitting of anti-predator nets will all but eliminate seal predation from salmon farms.

The following links are two campaigns run by WWF and Advocate for Animals; please follow and fill in the requests: I did and it only takes a few seconds!

You’ll sleep better for doing it!

Last chance to stand up for Scotland's seas!
http://campaigns.wwf.org.uk/ea-campaign/clientcampaign.do?ea.client.id=14&ea.campaign.id=5429

Time is running out for Scottish seals – please take action today
http://www.onekind.org.uk/campaigns/lookout-for-seals/action-seals

Please ask your Parliamentary Members to get the facts about seals and Highly Protected Marine Areas. Find your MP/MSP/MEP at www.writetothem.com

Seals in Peril: Canada goes Chinese

2010-01-23T11:24:00.000Z

European Union does the right thing for seals and bans the imports of seal products; Canada goes Chinese.

Seals in peril ! as the Chinese markets are explored by Canada.

Massive welfare and moral problems concerning the Canadian seal hunts don’t bother the Chinese, maybe the bioaccumulation of toxins will!

See what you think of these links:

http://www.financialpost.com/story.html?id=2432741

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2010773168_sealhunt13.html

http://www.natgeotv.com/uk/wild-russia/videos/the-arctic-harp-seals

Please ask your Parliamentary Members to get the facts about seals and Highly Protected Marine Areas. Find your MP/MSP/MEP at www.writetothem.com

Official Response from the Prime Minister's Office

2009-11-06T11:59:00.004Z

This is the "official" response to the No. 10 Petition:
If this is the best that the Prime Minister can do; roll on the election!
I'll explain why very soon.

The official site of the Prime Minister’s Office

Home > Stopsealshooting - epetition response

Friday 6 November 2009
Stopsealshooting - epetition response
We received a petition asking:
“We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to stop shooting seals: British seals should have the same protection as dolphins and otters.”

Details of Petition:
“Seals are sentient mammals that experience pain, distress, fear and other forms of suffering. Britain’s Common Seal population is in a catastrophic decline. There is no “humane” method of shooting seals whilst they are in the water and shooting from an unstable platform is “inherently inhumane”. Shooting continues throughout the “close” season and seal pups can take weeks to die following the death of their mother, stress and starvation is terrible. Scientific evidence shows that only a very small percentage of identifiable seals target fin fish farms, salmon netsmen’s nets and salmon rivers, Non-lethal methods to prevent seals from damaging aquaculture interests exist; there is no need to shoot seals . There is no protection for preventing “harassment” of seals even in protected areas and no requirement to report the number of seals shot. Species “confusion” is common place when shooting; therefore protection should be given to both of Britain’s resident seal species: Grey and Common Seals (Halichoerus grypus and Phoca vitulina vitulina).”

Read the Government’s response
Seal conservation is a devolved issue, therefore this reply relates only to the situation in England. If you have concerns relating to the killing of seals in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland you may wish to contact the appropriate devolved administration.
There is no evidence that the killing or disturbance of seals in England is significant and having an adverse effect on the conservation status of the UK populations as a whole. We are not aware of any evidence that commercial or recreational hunting of seals or widespread killing by aquaculture and fishery interests is taking place in England.

The most recent update on the UK seal population based on current scientific evidence (2008) indicates that phocine distemper virus (PDV) outbreaks of 1988 and 2002 caused a decline in common seal populations on the east coast of England (mainly in The Wash). However, while the population has yet to recover, there has been no indication that the population has declined further since the last outbreak, and it is expected to recover. Latest scientific advice also shows that the UK grey seal population is reaching full carrying capacity and beginning to stabilise after years of growth.
Seals are primarily protected in England by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970. Under the 1970 Act, it is an offence to take or kill common and grey seals out of season or to use certain methods to kill or take, unless permitted to do so by a licence issued under section 10 of the 1970 Act. No such licences have been granted in England since 2005, despite claims to the contrary in the media.
The 1970 Act also allows the Secretary of State, if it appears necessary for the proper conservation of seals, to prohibit by way of an order the killing, injuring or taking of either or both common and grey seals in any area specified in the order. There is currently such an order (The Conservation of Seals (England) Order 1999) which protects grey and common seals on the east coast of England in order to allow common seal numbers to recover from the PDV outbreaks. Given the distribution of seal populations in England, this Order has the net effect of providing protection for almost all common seals and the majority of grey seals in England.
While fishermen are permitted to kill or take, without the need for a licence, any seal during the close season or in an area where there is a killing or taking prohibition as prescribed in an order, it can only be to protect their fishing equipment or fish therein and the seal must be in the vicinity of said equipment at that time. Any person wanting to shoot seals must use an appropriate firearm and possess a firearms certificate which includes permission to shoot seals. In the UK the possession of firearms is strictly controlled by the police. The 1970 Act therefore only allows limited local action to be taken against individual seals. It does not permit widespread control.
Before sanctioning the killing of a problem animal, we would expect that
• all other less severe methods of resolving the problem have been shown to be ineffective or impractical and not just difficult to implement,
• damage is sufficient to warrant the action and
• the action would reduce, or prevent from increasing, the damage in question
As well as the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 (S.I. 1994 No. 2716) prohibits other methods of killing or taking common or grey seals, including those which are indiscriminate and capable of causing the local disappearance of, or serious disturbance to, a population. Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 it is an offence to cause any unnecessary suffering to an animal under the control of man. This applies to the humane despatch of captured animals. Protection from intentionally cruel acts is afforded under the Wild Mammals (Protection) Act 1996.
The 1994 Regulations also prohibit any form of taking or killing of common or grey seals from certain modes of transport, namely; aircraft or moving motor vehicles. A territorial condition may also be applied to the firearms certificate restricting the use of the firearms to specified land deemed suitable. “Land” in this context includes open water.
The person taking the shot will need to consider these issues and assess conditions on a case by case basis. Clearly if the conditions do not allow for a humane and safe kill then a shot should not be attempted. A boat may or may not be a suitably stable platform from which to effect a clean or safe kill. Each case would be judged on its merits and it would be for a court to decide as to whether an offence had been committed.
Those shot or taken under a licence issued under the 1970 Act, must be reported as a condition of that licence. The 1970 Act only allows individual problem seals to be shot in the close season or in areas covered by Conservation Orders without any reporting requirement.
Within Special Areas of Conservation, designated for the protection of certain species, natural habitats and habitats of species under the Habitats Regulations, competent authorities have to take appropriate steps to avoid significant disturbance to the species concerned or deterioration of their habitat. This includes those designated for Grey or Common seals.
Government policy is that individuals should be free to manage wild animals within the law, and Government will only intervene when there is good reason to do so. Taking this into account we feel the 1970 Act in combination with other legislation is the appropriate mechanism for protecting seals in England as it strikes the right and proportionate balance between the conservation of the seals and the needs of those who seals impact upon. This is achieved by allowing individuals to control seals where necessary; setting minimum welfare standards by prohibiting certain methods of killing as well as close seasons to protect dependent young; and allowing conservation orders to be taken to protect populations should they be shown to be in decline

Please ask your Parliamentary Members to get the facts about seals and Highly Protected Marine Areas. Find your MP/MSP/MEP at www.writetothem.com

“Plea for Government action as holiday family finds shot seal”

2009-11-04T11:29:00.002Z

During my seal and Marine Protected Area campaign I have been asked to write for the online news and information service ForArgyll; the most recent story is one which I think is typical and is having an adverse effect on Scotland’s tourist industry: This story concerns a young family coming across a dead shot seal, you can follow the full story here; http://forargyll.com/2009/11/plea-for-government-action-as-holiday-family-finds-shot-seal/ .

This story is gaining momentum and I am currently awaiting replies from several sources for the next instalment: Watch this space and ForArgyll http://forargyll.com .

One month ago I and a few colleagues from Hebridean Partnership www.hebrideanpartnership.org had a meeting with the Tourist Minister Jim Mather, expressing our concern about numerous abuses to the marine environment and the effects that they are having on the lucrative tourist industry. The latest reported figures indicate that tourism is worth £4 Billion to the Scottish economy, and is vitally important in remote and rural locations especially on the islands.

The Minister agreed to write to the Cabinet Secretary for the Environment, regarding these issues and I have heard back today that the Minister still has not received a reply. I will keep you updated.

Have you been to Youtube Seals and Seas Yet and you can have your say on my Facebook Wall:
http://www.youtube.com/user/seasfree and
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000336590722&ref=profile

Please ask your Parliamentary Members to get the facts about seals and Highly Protected Marine Areas. Find your MP/MSP/MEP at www.writetothem.com

Youtube Seals and Seas

2009-10-28T11:21:00.005Z

I guess that I have now entered the 21st Century proper: I've been convinced to post things on Youtube and Facebook: But it seems to be working!

See what you think,http://www.youtube.com/group/sealsandseas and please feel free to comment and pass it on.

Many thanks, Mark

Update:
I guess that I'm not that good on these sites, getting to old for this sort of thing; try:http://www.youtube.com/user/seasfree

Have you been to Youtube Seals and Seas Yet:
http://www.youtube.com/user/seasfree

Please ask your Parliamentary Members to get the facts about seals and Highly Protected Marine Areas. Find your MP/MSP/MEP at www.writetothem.com

No. 10 Petitions

2009-10-18T12:05:00.002+01:00

The official site of the Prime Minister’s Office: E-Petitions
The site now shows; “This petition is now closed, as its deadline has passed”,-
Submitted by Mark Carter of Marine Concern – Deadline to sign up by: 17 October 2009 – Signatures: 615. The petition can be viewed at: http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/stopsealshooting/

Due to administrative delays, due to the large numbers of petitions, the setting of the petition on the government site was delayed. This had the effect of partially missing some of the hunger strike campaign period, as a result was extended to mid October. Even up to the last day the petition was growing and I believe would have reached 1000 by Christmas! Don’t take this number as low support, merely, not being able to access/notify enough people.

I would like to say a huge THANK YOU to all that have signed; we now wait to see what action is to be taken. Judging by the recent DEFRA letters, don’t expect too much, if anything! DEFRA have stated that they “have no evidence”, of any seal shooting problem: as a former police officer, if I didn’t have the required “evidence” I would undertake investigation; it appears that DEFRA have no intention of doing so. Just because DEFRA don’t have any evidence does not mean that shooting is not occurring.

The latest DEFRA letter also cites the wrong Article from the Habitats Directive; they cite Article 6(2) a less stringent requirement for protection. The shooting is done by commercial industries which fall into the category of “Plans & Projects”, this is subject to Article 6(3), which is far more powerful and gives better protection to the designated features: We have been fighting these “Article problems” for a very long time with the Scottish Government; where civil servants constantly reply, “We are applying Article 6”, failing to answer the question or being drawn on the 6(2)/6(3) issue.

Another worrying development is with Marine Scotland, the new administration comprised of Fisheries Protection, Fisheries Research Services and the Scottish Government (NB: the omission of any environment led organisation), this is the new quango which will deal with just about all marine related matters in Scotland; fisheries, fisheries and ...well fisheries; the very same industry that has caused most of today’s marine crisis’ in the first place.

At the recent Marine Bill Conference, held in Edinburgh, I asked the Director of Marine Scotland,
“Non lethal methods exist for anti seal predation, why don’t seals have the same protection as dolphins and otters”?

The reply was at least honest, “I don’t know”. But I would have expected a further comment like, I will find out and get back to you, but nothing, not even a hint of concern, is this what the future holds for marine issues in Scotland?

Please ask your Parliamentary Members to get the facts about seals and Highly Protected Marine Areas. Find your MP/MSP/MEP at www.writetothem.com

2009-10-18T12:04:00.001+01:00

Please ask your Parliamentary Members to get the facts about seals and Highly Protected Marine Areas. Find your MP/MSP/MEP at www.writetothem.com

BBC Radio 4 & BBC TV & More!

2009-10-16T11:32:00.003+01:00

BBC Radio 4 has just broadcast; Costing the Earth: The Art of Protest. “This is where Tom Heap finds out if eco-activists are facing their toughest challenges yet”. Tom came up to the west coast of Scotland a little while ago to interview me and talk about my hunger strike. We took the local seal tour boat in Loch Etive to the seal colony where there were about six pups with their mothers and probably one large male; all were Common (Harbour) Seals.

The full radio broadcast can be heard on BBC IPlayer at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00n51z5/Costing_the_Earth_The_Art_of_Protest/
Or if you just want to listen to the seal section zoon in to eleven minutes. The programme is interesting as it gives some idea as to why I took such drastic action.

As most who have been following this blog will know, my campaign was and still is about raising public awareness and getting the message out to the politicians to check the facts before debating upon marine issues; much of which has been “fudged” by the commercial interests.

As part of this, Top Heap also interviewed the Tourist Minister Jim Mather MSP, he had heard about the campaign and also spoke about the petitions system in Scotland. As Chair of Hebridean Partnership ( www.hebrideanpartnership.org ) we submitted a petition to the Scottish Public Petitions Committee, but were not invited to “debate” on the issues as suggested by Mr Mather, nor to give evidence to support our Petition, instead the Committee appeared to simply pass the petition on to the Rural Affairs and Environment Committee whilst they scrutinised the Marine (Scotland) Bill. The Petition called for a “level playing field” when debating marine issues rather than the commercial interests taking precedence: was it taken into account?

I’m currently working through the Committees report and despite raising five submissions and one Petition no mention has been made to any of them. I will publish my findings soon. Three members of Hebridean Partnership, recently had a meeting with the Tourist Minister, the meeting was positive; tourism is Scotland’s largest industry along the west coast of Scotland and accounts for FOUR BILLION POUNDS to the Scottish economy, has it made a difference? To be fair, we will have to wait and see, but if the Cabinet Secretary for the Environment maintains his current stance, don’t expect any changes soon!

But the politicians are aware, that was the aim, we can’t make them act, but we can vote them out if they fail us and our “home”. Our “home”? Yes! The term “eco” comes from the Greek for home; our home, you don’t have to be an “Eco-warrior” to want to look after where we live: Mess it up and it is us who will suffer!

Two other interesting reports have just emerged:
“Mike Dilger dons his diving gear to explore the underwater world of Farne Island seals. Fishermen say the seals are stealing their catch - Mike meets the alleged culprits close up and discovers a curious and gentle animal... whatever its appetite”.
For the seals: start at 10mins 42 secs. Just watch how the young seal holds Mike's hand!
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00nbwhs/Inside_Out_North_East_and_Cumbria_12_10_2009/

AND

TV star Richard Briers gives voice to a seal animation commissioned by Advocates for Animals:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2IJjZZYeDA&feature=player_embedded

Have you signed the No 10 Petition yet? http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/stopsealshooting/

Please ask your Parliamentary Members to get the facts about seals and Highly Protected Marine Areas. Find your MP/MSP/MEP at www.writetothem.com

Cabinet Secretary for the Environment addresses Marine Bill Conference

2009-10-06T10:23:00.002+01:00

“A Marine Bill for Scotland”, that was the title for a conference held by Holyrood Events group on the 30th September in Edinburgh. Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment; Richard Lochhead gave the opening speech; extracts from the Minister’s speech follow:

The Cabinet Secretary said that the government is committed to; “ a future that balances improvements to marine conservation, with the growth of marine industries”. That’s a great start and the following extracts back that concept up...but then read my question to the Minister at the end and his reply!

Cabinet Secretary Speech Extracts:
• ‘I’m always delighted to talk about the world class marine environment we have in Scotland’.

• ‘We are a country rich in natural marine assets. We are also rich in the skills, and experience, needed to make good on those assets’.

• ‘The balance between opportunity, and threat, is why our use of the sea has to be carefully managed. And that is why, the most important part of the Scottish Marine Bill, is Planning’.

• ‘The Bill also introduces new powers, to establish a network of Marine Protected Areas. These will allow us to protect some of our most precious, and iconic, marine species and habitats’.

• ‘Improved marine nature conservation, and protection for biodiversity, are central to the Marine Bill... This will protect our most important marine species and habitats’.

• ‘There is also a mechanism in the Scottish Marine Bill whereby communities, under certain circumstances, can submit proposals for Marine Protected Areas’.

(Note: This will be extremely difficult in remote and island locations where the influential commercial industries hold a lot of “sway”!)

• ‘As well as Marine Protected Areas, the Marine Bill contains some other provisions for the protection of wildlife. In particular it contains provisions to revise the protection of seals’.

• ‘Scotland has a duty to protect its iconic seal populations. We have over 160,000 grey seals, and a minimum of 20,000 common seals, more than the rest of the European Union. They represent a significant conservation success’.

(Note: I fail to understand how the loss of one third of the Common Seal population is a “significant conservation success”?)

• ‘For the first time, there will be monitoring of licensed seal management in Scotland. This will ensure that local management, will not have a significant impact on our overall seal populations’.

(Note: The term; “Management” usually means KILLING).

• ‘Our vision is that development should raise the quality of life for the Scottish people, through increasing economic opportunities for all, on a socially and environmentally sustainable basis’.

• ‘With the coming of the Scottish Marine Bill I look forward to a future that balances improvements to marine conservation, with the growth of marine industries. This is at the heart of the Scottish Marine Bill’.

• ‘There will always be instances of conflict, between conservation priorities and economic development. But I believe that overall we must manage our seas, to allow for economic growth and conservation. It is not one thing or the other’.

• ‘It will not be easy, but it is necessary’.

• ‘Ladies and gentlemen. Let me remind you, that our seas are among the most biologically productive in the world, and some of the finest marine habitats in Europe can be found in Scottish waters. I intend to ensure they stay that way. We will use our new planning, conservation and licensing tools, to ensure the wellbeing of our seas’.

• ‘We all have a responsibility to ensure that we continue to benefit from our coasts and seas. And that future generations have the chance to benefit as much, if not more, than we do’.

• ‘The Scottish Marine Bill is designed with that long term vision in mind’.

• ‘Our challenge now, is to work together to deliver a Marine Bill that makes a real difference for Scotland’s seas’.

• ‘The challenge for all who care about the sea is to work with us to deliver the best system to make that happen’.

(“Fat chance”! when Councils, Government Agencies and Government routinely refuse access to important marine management meetings and pilot schemes: “Involve ALL stakeholders” they said during the Marine Bill Road Shows! They failed to mention “but not if you represent environmental issues and ask for sustainable environmentally friendly use of the seas resources alongside marine protection).

I asked the Minister the following question:

We welcome your assurances that marine protection and sustainable use will be taken forward together; however currently as the Bill stands, Marine Protected Areas cannot give the benefits seen Worldwide as one Section in the Bill, Section 85 (2) prevents restriction to mobile fisheries. Can we see a change in the proposed Bill to allow for No-Take-Zones?

(Now my background as a former police officer is to recognise “non-verbal” reactions, and it is true to say that the Minister appeared decidedly uneasy with this question).

His reply gave reasons as to why this was difficult: He cited the Common Fisheries Policy as an excuse to not have fully protected areas.

(Unfortunately the Minister is not to clear of the mechanisms of the CFP and that it does not apply within the “six mile limit”, so this was not a valid reason).

So reading between the lines, once again we have a politician who can:
“Talk the Talk” BUT is unable to; “Walk the Walk”!

Don’t expect any changes to the Marine (Scotland) Bill soon! The commercial influences once again appear to take precedence over the marine environment, the very same environment that sustains the industry...for now!

The Minister also stated that:
• ‘Fishing generates around £400m per year, aquaculture produces a similar value and angling produces £140m of income. That is nearly a billion pounds of value each year in these 3 sectors alone’.

The tourist industry is worth an estimated £ 4 billion to the Scottish Economy and yet to date has had very little involvement with the Marine Bill despite surveys that indicated that it is the Scottish scenery and wildlife that are the major attractions: seals and cetaceans jostling for the top spot:

Coming soon the meeting outcome with the Minister for Tourism.

Have you signed the No 10 Petition yet? http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/stopsealshooting/

Please ask your Parliamentary Members to get the facts about seals and Highly Protected Marine Areas. Find your MP/MSP/MEP at www.writetothem.com

BBC World Service

2009-09-14T09:04:00.001+01:00

The seals issue in Britain has been broadcast on the BBC’s World Service!
I have received several contacts from around the World stating that they have heard about this campaign and that I was heard on the BBC’s World Service.

That’s great; this campaign was and still is, all about raising public awareness of the seal shooting and their harassment in Britain and for the urgent need for Marine Protected Areas, zones or areas that actually do what they say on the “tin”: and include,- NO-TAKE-ZONES! These areas allow for the protection of the habitats that support our marine species such as seals.

Biodiversity was alongside climate change, signed up to by Britain, along with 150 Countries at the Rio Earth Summit in 1992; we have heard a great deal about climate change and almost nothing about protecting our biodiversity. It could be argued that climate change has become the “saviour” or “convenient scapegoat” of politicians, it has even been heralded as a “hijack”, at the cost of all other issues; climate change is an issue that can’t really be addressed within a political term this makes it the perfect political tool.

Just as the marine environment and use of marine resources should go hand-in-hand, so should biodiversity and climate change. Issues that could be and should be addressed together. The way in which we currently cope with these issues is; that biodiversity takes second place to climate change and environmental issues which support the commercial industries takes second place to extracting the seas resources. This approach s totally unsustainable but without the public asking/voting for politicians that will amend our ways our marine ecosystems will crash, the only question is WHEN?

Have you signed the No 10 Petition yet? http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/stopsealshooting/

Please ask your Parliamentary Members to get the facts about seals and Highly Protected Marine Areas. Find your MP/MSP/MEP at www.writetothem.com

End of the Common Seal "close" Season

2009-09-01T10:52:00.000+01:00

Three months, or 92 days have passed since I started and stopped (on health grounds) my hunger strike in order to raise public awareness of the shooting of seals and the need for Highly Protected Marine Areas, those that include No-Take-Zones: A campaign for providing “protection” to an iconic species’ two of which are classified on the European Commission’s “Of Community Interest”; Common and Grey Seals. Also, the need to keep some areas free from destruction by man’s greed and ignorance, so that abused areas can be “regenerated” from “safe or protected” areas.

How many seals have been shot during the close season, nobody knows, will the “open” season make any difference? Probably not except that more seals will be shot as there is now a “free for all”. In the reply from DEFRA, they state that the Conservation of Seals Act, “Only allows limited local action to be taken against individual seals”. I need to remember that this is an “open” site and contain my response! What a load of rubbish, as a former police officer I am somewhat familiar with law and legislation: I am very familiar with the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, also that it could not be used when 21 seal pups were clubbed to death in Shetland over the Christmas period, that is how poor and inadequate the current legislation is.

The DEFRA response to my letter of concern to HRH The Queen (Day 38 – 39) contains what I consider some very serious breaches; as a result I have not only written to DEFRA but as suggested within the DEFRA letter contacted all devolved Ministers and Shadow Ministers for the Environment. This has included a request for information under the Freedom of Information Act and the Environmental Regulations. I will keep you updated of the responses.

The DEFRA letter raises another issue, that of devolution: I think that “local” issues are better dealt with on a local basis, this however, for larger more important issues like those found in the dynamic marine environment they need to be “managed” centrally, similar to international agreements where maritime issues cross manmade borders. It seems ironic that Great Britain due to devolution now needs a quadripartite agreement between England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland in order to address universal maritime issues.

As for the seals; we now enter the “close” season for the Grey Seals, that is up to the 31st of December; will it make a difference, probably not, we will hear the common excuse, “But I thought it was a Common Seal”, or under the Fisherman’s Clause, they don’t even need an excuse...open season as normal!

Have you signed the No 10 Petition yet? http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/stopsealshooting/

Please ask your Parliamentary Members to get the facts about seals and Highly Protected Marine Areas. Find your MP/MSP/MEP at www.writetothem.com

BBC Radio 4

2009-08-19T20:42:00.000+01:00

BBC Radio 4:
I went out on the local seal tour boat; “Mara”, based in Taynuilt, on Loch Etive today with Tom Heap, BBC’s Environment Correspondent. The radio interview took place on the sea loch between my home on Eilean Duirinnis (known locally as Ferry Island) and the nearby seal haul-out.

A very successful day with numerous seal sightings including around eight of this year’s pups. The programme is due to be aired on Radio 4 in October. What was particularly inspiring is that the programme also features Jim Mather MSP, the Minister for Enterprise, Energy and Tourism, further more Mr Mather stated that he was well aware of my campaign.

That’s a great start as we get closer to the next stage in the Rural Affairs and Environment Committee’s scrutiny of the Marine (Scotland) Bill during September. To date the tourist sector has been very noticeable by its absence throughout the marine debate, despite much of the Scottish tourist revenue being heavily reliant upon the scenery and wildlife.

I have mentioned the importance that tourists place on “seals” and other wildlife, so much so that in a recent poll 75% of people were opposed to the killing of seals and in another poll nearly one fifth of those questioned would avoid travelling to a country that was involved with a seal “cull”. Once again, I stress that this does not have to be a “them and us” situation; Scotland’s sea area is huge, greater than that of its land, there is room for all commercial sectors, the environment, sustainable use and healthy profits, if only we could get organised and not be swayed by commercial pressures from fishery associations and multinational aquaculture companies.

The UK is in danger of becoming isolated along with the massive and controversial seal culls of Canada; Europe has put a ban in place to stop the imports of seal products into the EU by a massive 550 votes to 49! Even the Russian hunts have ceased with an outstanding decision made by Prime Minister Vladimir Putin when he overturned a 273 to 1 vote!

Health:
I have now started eating more normally, albeit with much smaller portions. In general my health appears to OK, having said that last night was particularly uncomfortable with a pain across my abdomen, little sleep as a result. I only sat in a tour boat for less than two hours and on my return I needed to lie down for several hours due to my old medical problems resulting from my injury on duty as a police officer.

Have you signed the No 10 Petition yet? http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/stopsealshooting/

Please ask your Parliamentary Members to get the facts about seals and Highly Protected Marine Areas. Find your MP/MSP/MEP at www.writetothem.com

500 !

2009-08-15T10:46:00.001+01:00

Dear All,

I would like to say thank you for your help with my petition which has now reached the required 500; its deadline is the 16th October, target point reached a month early! I have “cut & pasted” a section from ForArgyll:

‘His e-petition on the No 10 Downing Street website - to stop seal shooting - which he used his hunger strike to pubicise, has just topped the 500 signatures it needs for the Prime Minister to give the matter consideration’.

I gave a talk to the Seil Natural History Group during the week and met many new friends. I was especially pleased to hear from one member that I was not “as expected”; a “stop everything for nature”; but able to see that people are part of the equation, part of the problem as well as part of the solution. There is room for us all; people and the environment especially in the marine environment if only we could have “open eyes” and enter constructive dialogue,- the commercial sectors, the environmentalists, the government and the people who live in this very special area and with that I would ‘open’ the area up to include the whole of the British Isles!

Since my petition I have started Marine Concern ( marine concern.blogspot.com ) : ‘Marine Concern is a confidential conduit for communication of thoughts and abuse of the marine environment, to the Relevant Authorities’. If I can help in anyway please get in touch, best regards, Mark

Have you signed the No 10 Petition yet? http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/stopsealshooting/

Please ask your Parliamentary Members to get the facts about seals and Highly Protected Marine Areas. Find your MP/MSP/MEP at www.writetothem.com

Hunger Strike for Seals and Highly Protected Marine Areas:

2009-08-09T13:40:00.001+01:00

My hunger strike campaign developed as a logical step resulting from lack of action by commercial industries, council departments, government agencies and the government in relation to preventing and/or addressing non-sustainable and or damaging activities and issues within the marine environment, examples have been sited using the European Commission’s Habitats Directive, Natura 2000 and Special Areas of Conservation (SACs). I was involved with one successful EC complaint where the UK Government was issued with “infraction proceedings”; another complaint has been submitted and is currently being investigated.

From the outset I have stated that is an “awareness campaign”, to inform the public and Parliamentary Members of the facts that surround marine issues, such as the shooting of seals in the UK. And the need for Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) which include No-Take-Zones.

The timing for this awareness campaign is crucial as both England/Wales and Scotland are progressing through probably the most important pieces of marine legislation of our lifetime: The Marine and Coastal Access Bill in Westminster and the Marine (Scotland) Bill in Holyrood. The status quo is that powerful and well funded fishing associations and multi-national aquaculture companies influence Parliamentary Members.

Much of the material used by the commercial interests is “propaganda” and not factually correct. I take pride in the accuracy, factual content and scientifically robustness of information used: so much so that one MEP who supported the EU Imports of Seal Products, thanked me for my “Detailed and Forensic Report”, he was not being complementary but as a former police officer and someone who has studied Marine Science I take his comment as a compliment!

As a person with restricted mobility and lacking the physical ability to stay standing or sitting for any length of time I have been extremely restricted in my activities; what I can do, what I can achieve. As an individual with limited resources and Chair of a voluntary non-profit making organisation with little funds; functional progress through official channels has been limited. The idea of a “hunger strike” is both one that I could undertake with my physical condition and one of despite needs; to raise awareness of the abuse being carried out in our marine environment and the failings of official authorities to engage and rectify problems. From the outset I have always stated that my “family comes first” and with that I gained their reluctant support. With this in mind I have always agreed to the fact that if my health became compromised that I would cease my hunger strike activities.

During the last week I have been subject to numerous and potential serious medical effects, as a result of my powerful pain-killing medication in combination with my fasting. I am unaware of any lasting problems affecting my organs but the latest pounding of my brain has raised my concerns further and in agreement with my word to my family I have decided to cease my hunger strike on medical grounds.

I have survived ten weeks, not without problems and I would not recommend this type of action to anyone. I have lost three stones (19 kilograms) and taken my belt in five holes! The publicity campaign has been a success and has not finished, it continues; the BBC are about to take up the campaign, the No. 10 Petition has almost reached its goal of the Prime Minister “looking into matters”, I have been asked to write articles on “marine related issues”, and who knows maybe, just maybe enough Parliamentary Members will be interested enough to check out the real facts and we may actually improve on the existing marine legislative nightmare, and rectify the short-comings of the current Marine Bills passing through Parliaments to provide for a truly sustainable future for our marine environment, one which we depend on just as much as its inhabitants.

Thank you for all of the support, kind words and concern. Thank you for “opening” this debate into the national public arena and for the interesting dialogue that it has produced. It doesn’t stop here numerous groups and NGOs are still committed to improving the situation within the marine environment one which was signed up to by this Country along with 150 others during the Rio “Earth” Summit in 1992, alongside “Climate Change” was “Biodiversity”, which lies at the centre of my campaign: Any future ideas, information or reports of abuse can be channelled through me and Marine Concern http://marineconcern.blogspot.com . I will continue to update the “hunger strike" blog as information arises or reports become available.

Have you signed the No 10 Petition yet? http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/stopsealshooting/

Please ask your Parliamentary Members to get the facts about seals and Highly Protected Marine Areas. Find your MP/MSP/MEP at www.writetothem.com

Day 70 TEN WEEKS!

2009-08-09T03:09:00.004+01:00

Facts and Comments:
Ten weeks into the “close” season for Common Seals and still nobody knows how many seals have been shot around UK shores; not even the government environment agencies or the government departments responsible for marine environmental issues.

The Scottish Salmon Producers Association admitted on the BBC’s CountryFile program “Shooting Seals” that their members shot nearly 500 seals in one year. As I understand it, they represent around half of the fin fish farming industry in Scotland.

Using the industries own figure for shooting seals, it is probably fair to suggest fin fish farms in Scotland shoot around 1000 seals a year. This is an extremely conservative figure as I have evidence that suggests that nearly 50 seals were shot on one occasion and the fish farms company records show the mass killing as “one seal”!

Add these figures to fin fish farms in England, Wales and Northern Ireland; factor in the unknown figures shot by fishermen, salmon netsmen and those reported by salmon anglers and others under Section 10 Licences and the figures could be close to the estimates produced by members of the Seals Protection Groups; a massive three to four thousand seals per year.

If you take into account the natural causes of decline, such as old age, Orca attacks and the potential pressure from Grey Seals in some areas, these figures “fit” very closely with the official government figures produced that have reported the massive decline of 10,000 Common Seals during the last two years. This leaves an estimated 20,000 Common Seals in Scotland (http://www.smru.st-andrews.ac.uk/documents/SCOS_2008_v1.pdf ).

It should be noted that there have been no reported cases of Phocine Distemper Virus (PDV) in Scotland over the last two years; in fact the last outbreak in England did not really effect the Scottish seal population.

The Scottish Government’s suggestion that the killing of seals by Orca and competition by Grey Seals is not relevant in some areas such as Strathclyde where there has still been an estimated decline of up to 30% in the Common Seal population (based on government funded figures of 25%, factoring in the Firth of Clyde situation). The Oban area has seen a dramatic decline in Common Seals, there have been no reports of Orca and very few Grey Seals are seen around the inshore region.

This raises the question; Why is the Scottish Government so reluctant to investigate seal shooting in Scotland?

For the record:
Both the BBC Countryfile and the Sunday Herald list me as Chair/Head of Hebridean Trust; this is not the case; I am Chairman of Hebridean Partnership www.hebrideanpartnership.org .

Condition:
Another sleepless night (I’m writing this at 3 ‘o’clock in the morning), this has been a “bad” week health wise, two of the hunger strike related problems potentially very serious...more later when I get up!

The No. 10 Petition is at a fantastic 450! Just 50 to go before the Prime Minister looks into the Seal Shooting issues; please sign!

Have you signed the No 10 Petition yet? http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/stopsealshooting/

Please ask your Parliamentary Members to get the facts about seals and Highly Protected Marine Areas. Find your MP/MSP/MEP at www.writetothem.com

Day 69

2009-08-08T10:35:00.004+01:00

Facts and Comments:
My campaign has been all about raising the profile of seal shooting and the need for Highly Protected Marine Areas; it appears to have done just that! It might be worth having a look at the Sunday Herald tomorrow. One on-line chat site for sea-kayakers has become rather interesting; I mentioned this yesterday the full discussion can be viewed at:
http://www.ukriversguidebook.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=53097&p=403918#p403918

A discussion has arisen starting from the comments made by one person quoting my blog: “Shooting gives rise to terrible welfare issues, is inhumane and can leave seal pups to a long lingering death."

A summary of my latest reply follows:
As a former police officer I couldn’t agree more with keeping to the remit of the law; unfortunately in remote and rural marine areas with no one watching it is easy to “get away” with “murder”! The law is even more difficult in Scotland due to different requirements and that of corroborated evidence.

The existing law has only had one successful prosecution in 39 years and that was on a technicality; even the government acknowledge it is not working (in Scotland at any rate, where we have around 90% of the UK’s seals). I have been through all of the proper accepted and legal channels before undertaking my hunger strike, including a successful case using the Habitats Directive where the UK Government were issued with a Letter of Formal Notice, conditions in several Special Areas of Conservation have improved including a ban on scallop dredging in areas of biogenic reefs.

What I have been so surprised with; so taken back by; in fact “gob-smacked explains it, is the attitude from government agencies and government itself. At low key marine management meetings where the Government Head of Inshore Fishing states, “I have the ear of the Minister and there will be no restriction to scallop dredging in the Firth of Lorn”. In another instance; SNH looked at a “trend” graph that I produced using government funded data showing a 50% population decline over a fifteen year period for Lismore SAC and said, “What decline”. Unfortunately, in my local area the government has failed once again under the Habitats Directive, failed to engage in meaningful discussion or making amends and a second complaint has been submitted,- concerning the seals issue.

I have been trying, including working with the industry to develop a usable, inexpensive non-lethal method of anti-predation method. Whether the industry takes up the ideas remains to be seen.

Your comment: "Poor professionalism is no excuse in my mind", I couldn’t agree more, but this is the real world where the numbers of shot seals equals £’s, even “real” deer hunters squirm when bodies are simply left to rot and wash up on tourist beaches. On top of that, one man with a weapon shot 38 seals in two days, in and around a SAC for seals, nothing was done; in another incident nearly 50 seals were shot and the report stated “ 1 “ kill! I’ve worked beside the industry for a long time; I live and “drink” with some of the “workers”! I know, listen, observe, and understand the problems.

If only larger calibre rifles were used then some of the problems would not occur BUT, under the antiquated Conservation of Seals Act 1970 a .22 projectile if it reaches 600ft.lbs. and 45 grains (muzzle energy) is legally acceptable, any good deer man will say that is not enough for a large deer, grey seals can be larger still! and that’s not taking the seal morphology into account, a heart shot is not considered humane in an animal that is able to “shut” during dives, one that can survive for long periods with no circulation and that comment comes from the International Veterinary Panel.

To cut a long story short, ending with your comment: “simply saying that if this government actually wished”: you have identified the problem; “IF THIS GOVERNMENT ACTUALLY WISHED”; my experience is that they don’t! Hence my actions!

Condition:
No change! Hunger pains, relentless! Lethargic!
Interest; picked up a bit with useful informative dialogue.

PM Update:
A bit of a worry; feeling particularly rough during the morning, went to bed for a few hours over lunchtime (I hate that saying!) when my brain felt like it had a “heartbeat” pounding within my skull!

Have you signed the No 10 Petition yet? http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/stopsealshooting/

Please ask your Parliamentary Members to get the facts about seals and Highly Protected Marine Areas. Find your MP/MSP/MEP at www.writetothem.com

Day 68

2009-08-07T11:43:00.001+01:00

Facts and Comments:
My campaign has opened discussion, which is good but it needs to be informed and factual, something I work very hard to achieve either by science, published literature or best available knowledge. I have just come across the following comment which I would take issue with as not being factual, I have kept the author’s name out of this but would welcome to open the debate to a wider forum:

This person has posted in response to the seal shooting: “I'm sorry but that simply isn't applicable to situations where seals are shot in accordance with the suggested season i.e. outside of the time pups are dependant. Perhaps making the suggested season mandatory would be a reasonable, but trying to claim shooters easily shoot the wrong species and it is inhumane, is simply slanted propaganda. If you ever witness seals being head shot professional, it is instant, potentially very messy etc. but certainly not inhumane! I love swimming and kayaking with seals, but except that a very small percentage may be shot as a result of our capitalist fishing structure and to prevent the spread of disease etc.
I realise many people on here may not like this, but the world is far from the cute & cuddly view that most people in the UK hold”.

This raises several issues which I would like to address:
1. This person either has little knowledge on the subject or is involved with either the industry or shooting animals (probably on land).
2. Pupping time alters depending on conditions and latitude; this tends to be earlier in the south and later in the north, the three months “close” season does not allow for this to be taken into account. Pups do die, long lingering deaths, this I have experienced as have numerous seal rescue centres around the country.
3. “Shoot the wrong species”: Two points here firstly; at a distance, in a choppy sea, in poor visibility, at the wrong angle, on an unstable platform such as a moving boat, and in areas of mixed species and ages; incorrect identification is “common place”.
More importantly is the fact that this excuse is “convenient” depending upon which close season is in operation and some in the industry believe that; “the only good seal is a dead seal” and shoot indiscriminately.
“Inhumane”: Seals have a mechanisation which enables diving for long periods of time, this includes myoglobin and a slowed metabolism including heart function. Anything other than a head shot is NOT HUMANE; this is well documented by numerous science and veterinary bodies (details available). I was in the Royal Marine Reserves, I am familiar with shooting and the effects. Shooting with shotguns is both illegal and immoral, .22 calibre is also insufficient for a quick kill unless very lucky and/or very close. A seal shot by a “professional” locally, from land at close range hit the seal in the throat, witnesses stated that the seal “leapt” from the water, blood spurting from its neck, it dived and resurfaced five times, blood spurting on each occasion. I later spoke to the “marksman”, who admitted missing the head shot and that he was unable to “finish” the job. This is known as “struck and loss”, can be as high as 50% or more in commercial hunts; how is that humane?
4. “Capitalist fishing structure”; firstly non lethal methods of deterring seals exist; shooting is both cheaper and easier. “Small percentage”; using best available information around three to four thousand seals may be shot per year that is not a small percentage, even the Salmon Producers Organisation admitted that their members shot almost 500 in one year, they account for about half of the farming industry, this does not include fishermen, netsmen or anglers. So by taking the accepted figure from the industry and working in the rest the figures; they are not that far apart to our estimates; and most certainly not a small percentage.
5. “prevent the spread of disease etc.” There is no evidence to suggest that shooting is done or indeed would be successful to prevent the spreading of disease.
6. The UK has lost almost 10,000 common seals in two years for numerous reasons, shooting being part of that total (government funded research), that’s one third of the population; that’s a huge percentage!
7. “Cute and cuddly”, I’m not known for being cute and cuddly as many a miscreant will agree to, this is a logical step to highlight the constant abuse of marine environment and the species within it. Usually for human greed and profit!

There is room for people and the environment; people are part of the equation, in fact it would be wrong to think of “eco” as green or tree huggers because “eco” comes from the Greek for “home”; OUR HOME!

Condition:
Physically not bad, cautious about a reoccurrence of the abdominal pains. Mentally strong as the campaign takes hold and the word spreads; 441 on the petition only 59 to go! As the word spreads it raises myths like the one above and enables the opportunity to give the proven and observed facts.

Have you signed the No 10 Petition yet? http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/stopsealshooting/

Please ask your Parliamentary Members to get the facts about seals and Highly Protected Marine Areas. Find your MP/MSP/MEP at www.writetothem.com

Day 67

2009-08-06T10:27:00.001+01:00

Facts and Comments:
Devolved power; more like divide and conquer!
I have just had a response from DEFRA, in reply to my letter of concern to HRH The Queen. I wrote to Her Royal Highness in the first place in the mistaken belief that Civil Servants would want to be seen as being “politically correct” and not try to “pull the wool over one’s eyes”! How wrong could I be?

Not only does it appear that DEFRA have a poor concept of the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, they have little knowledge of what is actually occurring outside of their offices in London!
The first paragraph contains what I call “slippery shoulder syndrome”, and opens with; “Seal conservation is a devolved issue”. “Enquiries about seals in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland should be directed to the Scottish Executive, Welsh Assembly Government or Department of the Environment (Northern Ireland) as appropriate”.

I will be taking further action with regard to the content of the DEFRA letter and will post any progress. This raises several points for concern; if DEFRA and the Scottish Government show little regard to “real” issues and “real” protection in the marine environment who will? I’ve commented on the BBC’s program; Yes Minister before, but the deeper one gets into policy the closer to reality this “comedy” becomes: the question remains however is it the politicians washing their hands through incompetence of Civil Servants or is the Country run by Civil Servants?

I think we have reached the point of “name and shame”; watch this space!

Condition:
Back to extreme hunger demands, very hard last night. It is surprising how lots of liquid can overcome hunger pains. I did think that the last month may be the most difficult, it has been so far! Just over three weeks to go, providing I can keep going!

Have you signed the No 10 Petition yet? http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/stopsealshooting/

Please ask your Parliamentary Members to get the facts about seals and Highly Protected Marine Areas. Find your MP/MSP/MEP at www.writetothem.com

Day 66

2009-08-05T11:44:00.001+01:00

Facts and Comments:
Living together; I’ve just written an article For Argyll http://forargyll.com titled: Radical Review of Marine Resources: Save our Scottish salmon and sea trout... just because Europeans prefer the taste of salmon.

Within the article I mentioned the idea about intergroup or cross-group cooperation in order to achieve a greater voice, and if everyone were to actually sit down and think about it could just work. This is full circle; when I first formed the Hebridean Partnership www.hebrideanpartnership.org back in 2002, we were joined by fish farms, fishermen, tourist boat operators, scientists, the general public and so on. The “meeting” process only broke down because the local fin fish farm shot 38 seals in two days in and around a Special Area of Conservation for seals, then resigned rather than face irate tour boat operators.

In order to achieve this much stronger position we have to accept the aims and ideas of the different groups and rather than look at the negatives, concentrate on the similar ideals. This could work, I’ve learnt a lot through the Seals Protection Groups where I was the Coordinator until I took a step back during my hunger strike campaign. The SPG is a “loose alliance” of like minded groups with different ideas, different aims but as and when people understood what the independent groups could and couldn’t join in with the alliance became stronger and more effective.

During the last two years I have represented a tourist industry group, been asked to represent a static fishing association, been on the same side as a fishermen’s association during a court case and so on. I get on well with a fishing and aquaculture representative from one of the islands and when we talk about issues we are actually extremely close in what we want to achieve.

Even the commercial industries could get involved, especially if some of the fishing associations representatives leave their testosterone behind! In fact it is time that some of the larger associations actually listened to their members, some are a little out of tune with their grass roots. Part of the industry doesn’t have that far to go to be sustainable and some already are.

Condition:
I’ve just been through another long period of “static” weight, losing only a few grams a day. I have now lost 18 kilograms but the last kilo took over a week! Lethargy rules and everything is becoming more and more difficult. I am concerned with the excruciating abdominal pains, as they will probably be back made by not having enough though passage of food.

Have you signed the No 10 Petition yet? http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/stopsealshooting/

Please ask your Parliamentary Members to get the facts about seals and Highly Protected Marine Areas. Find your MP/MSP/MEP at www.writetothem.com

Day 65

2009-08-04T13:01:00.005+01:00

Facts and Comments:
For just over a week now I have mentioned some important terms with definitions from the Encyclopaedia of Marine Sciences by Baretta-Bekker et. al. Springer. The numbers refer to days listed:
56: Habitat & Ecosystem
56 Biodiversity
57 Benthos
58 Community
59 Holistic Approach
63 Biological Indicator and
64 Invasions or Alien Species.

This brings me nicely on to “K” and “R” Select Species to round of the need and hopefully to give a little understanding as to why we need Highly Protected Marine Areas:

From the Encyclopaedia;
K-strategy (I remember them as “constants”) a life strategy optimally geared to living in a stable habitat with a high level of inter specific competition. Often significant energy is invested in defence mechanisms. Parental care is facilitated by low fecundity (small litters of large-sized offspring), by longevity and size. K-strategists are unlikely to be well adapted to recover from population densities significantly below their equilibrium level and may become extinct if depressed to such low levels. These organisms, rather than the R-strategy selected species, need the concern of the conservationist.

R-strategy (I call them the “rampants”) a life strategy which allows a species to deal with the vicissitudes (can deal with the unexpected) of climate and food supply by responding to suitable conditions with a high rate of reproduction. R-strategists are continually colonizing habitats of a temporary nature; as such their strategy is basically opportunistic, with dispersal being a major component of their population process. R-selection leads to high productivity.

For a “layman’s” definition I refer to this as the “constants”, the stable, robust, highly diverse community, which is good, an example is the Scottish west coast; as opposed to the “rampants”, the weeds, which can jump in at short notice like weeds and re-colonise an area, preventing a return of the pre-existing habitat, for example following scallop dredging. Don’t be impressed by “high productivity”, pollution indicators such as microbes and worms which dominate waste material under a fish farm have high productivity but you most certainly would not want to dive in the grey, anoxic, methane belching mush.

Therefore; by having a network of Highly Protected Marine Areas those free from fishing, pollution, and harassment we have a chance of survival, a chance of repopulating over-fished or polluted areas. For more information try the 25th Report of the Royal Commision: http://www.rcep.org.uk/reports/index.htm .

Condition:
The advantage of “bad” days is that they make you appreciate the good days; today is a little better!

Have you signed the No 10 Petition yet? http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/stopsealshooting/

Please ask your Parliamentary Members to get the facts about seals and Highly Protected Marine Areas. Find your MP/MSP/MEP at www.writetothem.com

Day 64

2009-08-03T11:58:00.002+01:00

Facts and Comments:
Following on from the important terms from the Encyclopaedia:
Invasions; sudden appearance of organisms outside their normal range. The invaders may have used their own means of dispersal for settlement in the new surroundings; they may have been transported by circumstances (such as high winds), or unintentionally or intentionally transported by man. In this century European waters have been invaded by several organisms of various origins.
Characteristically, the invaders increase enormously, wiping out entire indigenous communities. Such ecological invasions are only possible when restraining forces are lacking.

Bembridge on the Isle of Weight had large areas of Japanese seaweed, whilst kayaking through it I noticed that not only had the local habitat changed but the water temperature had increased dramatically. Where I live on the shores of Loch Etive we are constantly fighting back Japanese knotweed, this fast high growing vegetation simply takes-over, preventing all native species from existing and is transforming the appearance of the loch side.

Alien species as they are known are transported in ships ballast water, which should be regularly changed on voyages to avoid such problems, but in a business world where time is money it might be “forgotten”. Settlement is made far easier where seabed or shore sides have already been “prepared” for example following scallop dredging. These fishermen themselves liken dredging to ploughing a field, nicely prepared but lacking the farmers “planting” of crops. Local long lived species can’t compete, biodiversity is compromised.

Condition:
Suffering more than normal from my existing problems today, which means higher levels of pain killers, which has a knock-on effect to other functions, made worse by lack of food; a vicious circle. More bleeding from my gums this morning, I don’t know why but the sight of blood lowers that “feel-good” factor; perhaps a built in self-preservation reflex. Fatigue now common place, followed by “lows” during me periods of static weight which can last up to a week.

PM Update:
I have just had a serious health scare; where I was totally incapacitated and went through a period of several hours of excruciating abdominal pain. I'm currently "high" on diazepam, to relax muscle spasms and morphine for pain relief, about to return to bed to get over the ordeal as I am absolutely exhausted and drenched in sweat.

Have you signed the No 10 Petition yet? http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/stopsealshooting/

Please ask your Parliamentary Members to get the facts about seals and Highly Protected Marine Areas. Find your MP/MSP/MEP at www.writetothem.com

Day 63 Nine Weeks

2009-08-02T08:35:00.001+01:00

Facts and Comments:
Another important term from the Encyclopaedia of Marine Sciences:
Biological Indicator; a living object which gives unequivocal information on changes in the natural environment, or a change in quality for example, by growth form, behaviour, or the accumulation of pollutants. Such changes may result from natural causes or from human activities.
• I have suggested that in some locations seals as top predators can be used as biological indicators.
• A dramatic decline by one third of the countries common seal population SHOULD raise “alarm bells”.
• It is known that mass shooting has a negative effect on the population.
• Using best available information, the number of seals killed annually in the UK is around three to four thousand.
• There is evidence that figures produced by the commercial aquaculture industry under-report seal shooting.
• In one such example, nearly 50 seals shot by one company; was reported as “ONE KILLING”!
• There is no requirement for fishermen to report any killings.
• Under the “Fisherman’s Defence” they continue to kill even while mothers feed their pups!
• The reported shot female seal on the east coast that was in the second trimester of pregnancy was shot when there were no “nets” deployed; this killing was purely vindictive.
• But shooting does not account for the total decline; what are the other reasons?
• People are also “top end predators”; this should raise questions to; cause and effect and to our own actions.
• Or in the case of preserving the marine environment: lack of action.

Condition:
Hunger effects becoming more obvious, more difficult to cope with. The “hollow” feeling is now at times almost unbearable. Two small amounts of “low key” activity, for a very short time yesterday caused severe problems which forced me back to bed twice during the day in order to recuperate. I think that the last month may be the most difficult!
The No. 10 Petition is almost at 400! Absolutely great, tell your friends only just over a 100 to go!

Have you signed the No 10 Petition yet? http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/stopsealshooting/

Please ask your Parliamentary Members to get the facts about seals and Highly Protected Marine Areas. Find your MP/MSP/MEP at www.writetothem.com

Day 62 The Last Month!

2009-08-01T10:48:00.002+01:00

Facts and Comments:
I’m not sure what you call a “collective” of sea-kayakers; a fleet, a gaggle, a flock; but I call them “WELCOME”! The seals issues has just been placed on several sea kayak blogs and the No. 10 Petition has shown a huge increase in just a few days; THANK YOU!

This increased interest is particularly great for me as sea kayaking has been one of my life long passions, both for enjoyment and employment. While I was active I “worked” (some call it played) at the National Canoe Exhibition at Crystal Palace, every year for about ten years I returned with a wooden carving of an Inuit kayak; these still hold pride of place in our home (thank you “Can Carve”).

This point brings the past and the future neatly together: Inuit, using kayaks and other means throughout history have existed using subsistence hunting to survive and that of course includes seals. I’ve often wondered if any residual “flight reflexes” exist in seal morphology as a silent unannounced approach by a sea kayak to a seal haul-out can cause pandemonium.

But what better way to explore our beautiful coast, carbon free (bar the construction). By talking to real sea kayakers I know I am preaching to the converted; but if you could help pass on one issue that is becoming quite a major problem in some places and it has effected some seal tour boat operations; when kayaks approach too close to haul-outs, the seals often rush into the water, where they feel safe.

This causes major issues for the seals during pupping time (June to August for Common’s and September to December for Greys, inclusively). When I do seal counting I work on the principle, of a slow approach from about 45 degrees, this allows the seals to see me and gives them an escape route; if three seals start watching me, that’s the time to withdraw, any closer causes unrest and eventual flight. The problems for the pups is that they must have “warming” time or they could die of hypothermia, the knock-on effect to the tour boats is that they have “no seals” to show the public, if the public have the facts and the passion that just one seal is able to instigate, we are on a winner.

For those sea kayakers interested in their sports origins I would suggest the book “Qajaq”, Kayaks of Siberia and Alaska by D. W. Zimmerly. Published by the Division of State Museums, Jeneau, Alaska. It may be out of print, but it is well worth tracking a copy down! And if you’ve ever wondered why most sea kayaks “weathercock” and head to wind; think back in time, armed with harpoon, a stealthy approach from downwind: Today’s commercial hunts however, are completely different; using high-powered rifles and clubs!

Condition:
This boost of people, people adding their names to the petition and spreading the word overcomes all of my hunger pains and concerns! It makes this campaign worthwhile and takes my mind of the increasing and mounting problems. This is just the start, there are still any more activities and interests that are unaware, and yet still the largest industry in remote rural areas of Scotland fails to engage: the tourist industry. The industry and its people associated with it that relies most upon our wildlife and scenery.

Have you signed the No 10 Petition yet? http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/stopsealshooting/

Please ask your Parliamentary Members to get the facts about seals and Highly Protected Marine Areas. Find your MP/MSP/MEP at www.writetothem.com

Day 61 Two Thirds Done!

2009-07-31T10:45:00.000+01:00

Facts and Comments:
“Open” and “close” season, where animals can or can’t be shot is so 19th Century. Have we really not made any progression since the Victorian’s where to study an animal it had to be shot and if it was a predator of something you wanted to shoot, it was considered good-form to shoot more of them.

Two thirds into the “close” season for common seals, not long if I can survive with few real nasty effects with no meals. This just goes to show that the three month “close” season is; one, not long enough (although the close season is considered a joke, as seals still get shot quite legally under the loop-holes in the law). And, secondly, an even bigger issue is that; are close seasons or licences to kill fit for the 21st Century? Especially when alternatives to shooting are available.

A supposed three months respite from being shot, on “humane” grounds when mothers are either pregnant or feeding pups. For an animal that delays implantation of the fertilised egg, one that can and does delay birth due to conditions or latitude; that’s hardly a “humane” gesture. Nature, is not bound by human legislation and in the case of the seals nor are some fishermen and fish farmers!

There has already been a campaign; “One shot, two lives” and I have added a picture which shows a dead shot mother with a part aborted pup, judging by its condition it was about to give birth! Now is the opportunity to put right these antiquated ideas, these old and ineffective laws but this will only happen with “open-minded” and informed politicians and public pressure.

Condition:
No “real nasty” effects, as mentioned above, well at least I hope not, at least they haven’t shown themselves just yet. Having said that, the last two weeks have been the worst. Hunger pains have been strong, and the effects of not eating have been more apparent. My skin, hair, gums and normal body processes have all shown signs of the effects; fingers crossed for long term internal problems and all because the current “system” (government and politicians) are “guided” by commercialism!

Have you signed the No 10 Petition yet? http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/stopsealshooting/

Please ask your Parliamentary Members to get the facts about seals and Highly Protected Marine Areas. Find your MP/MSP/MEP at www.writetothem.com

Day 60

2009-07-30T11:45:00.001+01:00

Facts and Comments:
Sixty days, sounds like a custodial sentence; like that of; Jimmy Stewart the Shetland man that clubbed 21 seal pups to death during the Christmas period last year. He received 80 days, but he is probably out by now! I’ve not been able to track his release but his sentence was reported by the BBC:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/north_east/7961442.stm .

Such a hideous crime; and yet this could not be prosecuted under the existing Conservation of Seals Act 1970. This is the same Act that officials reporting to Westminster state: “Seals have adequate protection”. Hence have not been included within the English “Marine Bill”

In Scotland the shooting will carry-on but “under licence”, if the government get their way (reported here earlier; remember the Scottish Government website where bird licences are simply downloaded: no checks, no details, I have two!).

News just in: The Islay seal shooting case reported in the Sunday Mail: The body was too badly decomposed for a post-mortem. It was thought to be a Grey Seal; but shooting could not be ruled out.

Condition:
Still very slow, mouth quite painful despite being on powerful painkillers for other reasons. Body sores becoming increasingly uncomfortable.

Have you signed the No 10 Petition yet? http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/stopsealshooting/

Please ask your Parliamentary Members to get the facts about seals and Highly Protected Marine Areas. Find your MP/MSP/MEP at www.writetothem.com

Day 59

2009-07-29T10:17:00.003+01:00

Facts and Comments:
Yesterday I mentioned just how complex a food web can be and intimated that this is one reason as to why we don’t fully understand the complex interactions found in the marine environment.
Another term found in the Encylopedia (the actual spelling on the book) of Marine Sciences is “holistic approach”:

“Holistic approach the idea that the phenomena in the living world are controlled by the whole of all living organisms. In this, the whole is not merely the addition of the parts, it has properties that cannot be explained from the properties observed in single individuals”.

While I’m not convinced by the term; “controlled” in the above quote, I firmly believe that the whole (the ecosystem) is “influenced” by the above. Most of what we have learnt about the marine environment has been gained during the last sixty or so years as our technology and understanding has improved. We still have a lot to learn; in the marine environment the basic question of; “Is it animal or algae”? is not always straight forward
(I have posted a picture (author unknown) on my Marine Concern blog http://marineconcern.blogspot.com/ , showing a rock covered with “red” coloured encrustations, can you tell which is animal and which is algae?).

It is for this reason; we don’t have all of the answers that we should be more careful in what we do to “OUR” marine environment: Marine Protected Areas is one way of mitigating our disasters!

Condition:
Not much change, but some good newspaper coverage yesterday which makes me feel happier! The more people that know the “facts” the better!

Have you signed the No 10 Petition yet? http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/stopsealshooting/

Please ask your Parliamentary Members to get the facts about seals and Highly Protected Marine Areas. Find your MP/MSP/MEP at www.writetothem.com

Day 58

2009-07-28T11:17:00.001+01:00

Facts and Comments:
Another from my favourite encyclopaedia of Marine Sciences:
• COMMUNITY; an assemblage of populations living in a given area with mutual interactions.
• They are classified according to dominant species, indicator species, physical habitat, or type of community metabolism.
• Communities can change drastically after certain catastrophes (e.g. oil spill, or my comment; scallop dredging) or they may change gradually over time.

Some species can be extremely long lived, for example the Arctic Clam found on the west coast of Scotland may be around 250 years old.

In October 2007, researchers from Bangor University determined that an ocean quahog clam dredged off the Icelandic coast was between 405 and 410 years old by drilling through and counting rings on its shell (a technique known as sclerochronology).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arctica_islandica .

During marine management meetings over the past few years, government officials talk about “recovery time” for an area, following incidents such as the destructive fishing technique; scallop dredging, with very little real knowledge about the subject. In a garden scenario if the flowers are cut down the first species to come back are the “weeds”, the same can be true in the marine environment.

On paper these community interactions or the food webs can resemble a plate of spaghetti they are so complex; this is one reason that we know so little about them: and the importance of leaving some areas free from any form of extraction: fishing or otherwise.

Condition:
One reason for my current downturn may be due to toxins and other “nasty’s” stored in fat tissues being accessed and fed into the blood rather than out as waste while I am loosing so much weight. Another reason for not recommending this form of “dieting”!

Have you signed the No 10 Petition yet? http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/stopsealshooting/

Please ask your Parliamentary Members to get the facts about seals and Highly Protected Marine Areas. Find your MP/MSP/MEP at www.writetothem.com

Day 57

2009-07-27T10:13:00.001+01:00

Facts and Comments:
More from the Encyclopaedia of Marine Sciences today; at the end of these few important terms I will give some comments and some common misconceptions.
• Today is out of sight, out of mind; the benthos:
• Benthos; all living organisms living on or in the sea floor.
• Benthic organisms live either on the surface of the sediment or hard substrate or buried in the sediment.
• They can be either plants/algae or animals.
• The benthos is particularly important in the productive shallow (coastal) water where phytobenthic communities receive sufficient light to grow and to feed dense populations of benthic animals.
• In the sea, food is produced almost exclusively in the surface water layers.
• High values of biomass are reached particularly in areas like coral reefs, tidal mudflats, and in restricted bottom areas with high sedimentation in shelf seas (the shallow sea area bordering a continent; less than 8% of the total ocean area).
It is these important production grounds that we “abuse” without thought, these actions will come back to haunt us!

Condition:
Struggling!

Have you signed the No 10 Petition yet? http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/stopsealshooting/

Please ask your Parliamentary Members to get the facts about seals and Highly Protected Marine Areas. Find your MP/MSP/MEP at www.writetothem.com

Day 56 Eight Weeks!

2009-07-26T10:35:00.002+01:00

Facts and Comments:
Carrying on from yesterday’s terminology:
• BIODIVERSITY; The existence of a wide variety of species or other taxa of plants, animals, and microorganisms in a natural community or habitat.
• The maintenance of a high level of biodiversity is important for the stability of ecosystems.
• Certain habitats, especially rainforests (and special sea areas), have a rich species diversity, which is threatened by the continued destruction of habitats.
• Such ecosystems typically support large numbers of rare species, and population sizes of individual species tend to be small; they are therefore especially vulnerable to habitat destruction.
• Biodiversity in natural habitats also represents a source of species and genetic material of potential use to human societies.
(Taken from the Oxford Dictionary of Biology; P 70).
• Biodiversity hot spot; a relatively small area with an exceptional concentration of species.
(Taken from; Biology, Campbell, N. Benjamin/Cummings Publishers).

Condition:
EIGHT WEEKS! Another “poor” day, my gums have been particularly sore and bleeding a little. My weight situation has become interesting; I thought that the first few weeks would have the fastest lost, which they did, but I did not expect the “plateaus” of no loss. The first of these was between weeks five and six and I have just gone through another. Weight loss continues afterwards but is maintained for a period of five to six days. Weight loss at the eight week point: 17 Kilograms or just over two and a half stones in old money.
Update pm:
Feeling sick again, very lethargic, another two hours in bed during the afternoon!

Have you signed the No 10 Petition yet? http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/stopsealshooting/

Please ask your Parliamentary Members to get the facts about seals and Highly Protected Marine Areas. Find your MP/MSP/MEP at www.writetothem.com

Day 55

2009-07-25T10:52:00.000+01:00

Facts and Comments:
Following the article in “For Argyll”( http://forargyll.com ): ‘Argyll; the UK’s Most Accessible Marine Hot Spot’, I thought that relevant important terminology could be explained:
• HABITAT; the characteristic space occupied by an individual, a population, or a species. Habitats in the sea are diverse and include parts of such environments as estuaries, tidal flats, intertidal rocky shores, oceanic surfaces, deep-sea bottoms, etc. Within such parts of the sea most species occupy only specific zones.
• ECOSYSTEM; part of the biosphere, comprising living and nonliving constituents with a complicated network of mutual interactions, and as a whole having inputs and outputs to the surrounding biosphere. Those parts of the biosphere, whose internal interactions are much stronger than the interactions with the outer world, might be considered ecosystems, like ponds, inland seas, or sea areas (those isolated by salinity, temperature etc.)

Taken from the Encyclopaedia of Marine Sciences, Baretta-Bekker. Springer. (A must have for anyone interested in marine issues)!

Condition:
I normally have to have a lie down in the afternoon to ease “pressure” on my legs and spine but over the last few days I have been taking longer. Yesterday afternoon/evening were rough; probably my worst since starting this campaign, and as a result I was in bed early!
With the eight week marker tomorrow; it is only to be expected, I guess that I was lucky not be hit with this before now!

Have you signed the No 10 Petition yet? http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/stopsealshooting/

Please ask your Parliamentary Members to get the facts about seals and Highly Protected Marine Areas. Find your MP/MSP/MEP at www.writetothem.com

Day 54

2009-07-24T10:16:00.001+01:00

Facts and Comments:
The post mortem results for the Atlantic Grey Seal (featured on day 46), have just been received:
• It would appear that this animal died from a single, sudden, traumatic insult to the skull, most likelihood being a gunshot.
• The head has been retained for further analysis.
• It is possible the linear foreign body would have caused problems in time however there was no evidence of a current problem at that site - This was A wire fishing float line, 25 cm long.
• The female grey seal was also in her final trimester of pregnancy with a foetus removed from the uterus weighing 2.2kg.

This is an area on the east coast of Scotland where salmon netsmen catch the dwindling salmon stocks before they spawn.
There were NO SALMON NETS UP AT THAT TIME!

This may have been the action of the same person that killed a seal and left it on a public beach with a “fag-end” in its mouth and an empty can of beer next to it,- for all to see!

Advocates for Animals ran a campaign about pregnant seals being shot, titled, “One shot, two lives”, you can read more about their seal campaigns at: http://www.lookoutforseals.org/ .

Condition:
Managed to get to the Sea Life Centre talk yesterday; received some great support from the public and staff: thank you!
As the word gets out I feel stronger and stronger; the public are beginning to find out just what is happening to our seas and their inhabitants.
What’s more, THEY DON’T LIKE IT!

Have you signed the No 10 Petition yet? http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/stopsealshooting/

Please ask your Parliamentary Members to get the facts about seals and Highly Protected Marine Areas. Find your MP/MSP/MEP at www.writetothem.com

Day 53

2009-07-23T09:26:00.001+01:00

Facts and Comments:
Yesterday covered a few does and don’ts when approaching seal haul-outs, now that we are in the holiday period proper it might be worth reiterating; what to do if you find a seal pup.
• The Sea Life Centres during their seal talks mention this and they are available if needed but the emphasis is “if needed”; the pups “MUST NOT TOUCHED”!
• If you come across a seal pup left on a beach or rocky outcrop, please leave it alone!
• One touch from a person is all it needs to be abandoned by its mother, as your scent will be left long after you leave.
• It is quite normal for seals to leave their pups for a period possibly up to four hours.
• Observe the seal from a distance for a period of 24 hours.
• If the pup still appears to be abandoned; phone the SSPCA, RSPCA or your local Sea Life Centre.
There are numerous “Seal Rescue” centres around the country, they will care for the pup and release it back to the wild when it is ready and able to cope for itself.

Condition:
I still haven’t been fit enough to get back to the Sea Life Centre for my talk at midday. A few days of relative activity can mean a week or more of “doing nothing”! I took some electrolyte salts yesterday and felt sick for the rest of the day, the good news is that the twinges were absent last night.

Have you signed the No 10 Petition yet? http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/stopsealshooting/

Please ask your Parliamentary Members to get the facts about seals and Highly Protected Marine Areas. Find your MP/MSP/MEP at www.writetothem.com

Day 52

2009-07-22T10:18:00.000+01:00

Facts and Comments:
SNH have produced a Scottish Marine Wildlife Watching Code; the key points are:
• Do not approach too close to seal haul-outs.
• Seals are more approachable when in the water (this does not mean it is OK to scare them into the water).
• Be aware of the seals actions to you; agitated or relaxed, as a guide when conducting seal counts, I retreat if three or more seals start to look at me.
• Do not surround a group of seals; approach from one direction leaving an escape route to the sea.
• Be particularly carful during the breeding season (June to January depending on the species).
• View from a distance, you see more natural behaviour when they are undisturbed, use binoculars.
• Be especially careful if approaching by boat or kayak, take care not to surprise them, don’t get too close!
Taken from “Seals”, by Callan Duck, Scottish Natural Heritage Series.

Condition:
That hungry feeling most of yesterday. Feeling cold last night couldn’t get warm until in bed. Leg twitches have returned, they prevent sleep and have an effect on my mind due to the previous episode which left me “sleepless” for several nights in a row.

Have you signed the No 10 Petition yet? http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/stopsealshooting/

Please ask your Parliamentary Members to get the facts about seals and Highly Protected Marine Areas. Find your MP/MSP/MEP at www.writetothem.com

Day 51

2009-07-21T10:57:00.000+01:00

Facts and Comments:
Still, no news about the dead seal pup on Islay. I will try to follow up on this today.
Some very good interest from news items both in the Press and Journal, Scottish Mail on Sunday and the online news site; “For Argyll” (http://forargyll.com/).
It seems that people want to know just what is happening to our Seals and Seas!
And that many simply don’t trust either Government or Parliament!
Matters like this and those shown by the recent expenses’ scandal, should be a “wake-up” call to those wanting to stay in power!
Furthermore; the real-life scenario of the BBC’s “Yes Minister” program, is live and active, today in your government and is not acceptable!
These “mid-ranking” civil servants must be made more accountable.

Condition:
On Sunday I did say that I would explain the term; “feeling rough and tough”; The family have spent the last three days at the Land Rover Show in Newark, I couldn’t mention the fact that I was away from home for security reasons. But the “extra” moving around takes its toll on my body, which is the “rough”. The tough, is derived from travelling around a large “agricultural” type show along with all of it’s “FOOD STANDS”! The lovely SMELLS of fresh food cooking, and signs showing delicious organic BURGERS and BAGUETTE’S!
All TOO much for one who is on “hunger strike”; hence the term “TOUGH”! All that and we didn’t even go home with a Landy!

Have you signed the No 10 Petition yet? http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/stopsealshooting/

Please ask your Parliamentary Members to get the facts about seals and Highly Protected Marine Areas. Find your MP/MSP/MEP at www.writetothem.com

Day 50

2009-07-20T09:57:00.001+01:00

Facts and Comments:
• A seal pup has been found shot dead on an island beach by a tourist near Port Ellen on Islay.
• The tourist, a paramedic stated that, a single bullet hole to the body and the blood was fresh.
• Police on Islay are investigating the shooting; an autopsy may be carried out.
• I have contacted the police in order to find out what species of seal was shot.
• Remember, this is the “close” season for Common Seals and the pup may have been shot in or close to one of only three Special Areas of Conservation for Common Seals on the west coast of Scotland.

Condition:
More problems today, concerned with lack of food and its slow track through the body. Irritable again, today!

Have you signed the No 10 Petition yet? http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/stopsealshooting/

Please ask your Parliamentary Members to get the facts about seals and Highly Protected Marine Areas. Find your MP/MSP/MEP at www.writetothem.com

Day 49

2009-07-19T11:01:00.000+01:00

Facts and Comments:
• Seals are placed in the order Pinnipedia.
• Pinnipedia is reference to the seal’s webbed feet.
• The order is sub-divided into two main groups, the superfamily Phocoidea, the true seals and the Otarioidea, which has two families; the eared/fur seals and the Walrus.
• There are 33 species of pinnipeds.
• And eight species of “true seals”.
• Both of the resident UK seals are true seals; Phocidae.

Condition:
Another “rough and tough” day yesterday, I’ll explain those terms on Tuesday. I thought that my weight loss would mean less tablets, but not yet, I am able to do more, which is the reason for feeling rough.

Have you signed the No 10 Petition yet? http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/stopsealshooting/

Please ask your Parliamentary Members to get the facts about seals and Highly Protected Marine Areas. Find your MP/MSP/MEP at www.writetothem.com

Day 48

2009-07-18T10:21:00.000+01:00

Facts and Comments:

From Scottish Mammals, R. Hull, making reference to; St John (1822).
“The greatest drawback in shooting seals is the difficulty in getting the animal when killed. Tenacious of life to a surprising degree, a seal unless shot through the head, escapes to the water however severely wounded he may be, and sinking to the bottom is lost to the sportsman”.

An animal wanting to live or at least not wanting to be scared witless and die, appears quite normal to me. A few years ago similar issues concerning fox hunting for “sport” were debated in Parliament. As a farrier, sometimes working with hunters, I found it morally difficult.

The “sinking and lost” comment from above is still very relevant today in both the commercial hunts and “predator control” in this country. In Canada it is known as “struck and loss” and these figures can be higher than 50% of the allowed kill quotas and are not recorded.

These “struck and loss” figures have huge animal welfare issues which may have been acceptable in 1822 but is it acceptable in the 21st Century?

Condition:
Hunger feelings back again; that is if they ever left! Getting more short tempered and irritable.

Have you signed the No 10 Petition yet? http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/stopsealshooting/

Please ask your Parliamentary Members to get the facts about seals and Highly Protected Marine Areas. Find your MP/MSP/MEP at www.writetothem.com

Day 47

2009-07-17T10:19:00.000+01:00

Facts and Comment:
Some historical information:
• Grey seals were almost hunted to extinction, by the early 1900’s there were only about 500 left in Scotland.
• The Grey Seal Protection Act 1914 was introduced in an attempt to stop the commercial hunts from bring the species to extinction.
• A quote from Pennant in 1776; “In my voyages among the Hebrides I frequently heard of these species (seals), but did not meet with it for when shot they sink and are lost”.
And a quote from something more up to date:
• “In World numbers the grey seal is rare and highly vulnerable and a very large proportion of its World population breeds on Scottish islands”. From Scottish Mammals, Robin Hull.

Condition:
Yesterday was hard, doing anything “extra”, more than the normal, very little is becoming more and more difficult.

Have you signed the No 10 Petition yet? http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/stopsealshooting/

Please ask your Parliamentary Members to get the facts about seals and Highly Protected Marine Areas. Find your MP/MSP/MEP at www.writetothem.com

Day 46 Half-Way!

2009-07-16T09:21:00.000+01:00

Day 46 Midway Point!
• Another shot seal has been found on the East coast of Scotland.
• Location is being withheld at present pending enquiries.
• This seal was an Atlantic Grey Seal and has been taken for an autopsy.
• More information as I get it.
• The Government are still totally unaware of how many seals have been shot.
• More, very positive support from the people visiting the Sea Life Centre that has been a real boost!
• So many people have said that they just had no idea that the UK allows the shooting of seals.

Condition:
Halfway! Six and a half weeks! 46 days! GONE, but there again; also, left to go; I was starting to feel good up to that point. I’ve lost 16 kgs. and five holes on my belt!

Still feeling surprisingly good, the weight loss is helping but I still wouldn’t recommend this as a method of losing weight (I have mentioned the following before but I think that it is important as it may well be the only thing that has seen me through until now, thinner people may not be so lucky): I started with a lot of “extra” weight (Following my injuries received whilst on duty in the police I have been less able to exercise as time passed, as my condition worsened. The result has been a slow increase of about five stone, over a period of 20 years, this slow increase is very hard to notice) which has obviously carried me through; I have a very slow metabolism and sedentary lifestyle due to my medical condition. But I am staring to lose muscle; my skin texture has altered, as has my hair. Wasting is now clearly obvious and I tire quickly.

Mental state; still as strong as ever!

Undertaking a hunger strike has all of the obvious effects but there are also several that you wouldn’t normally consider: family outings, you can’t just pop in to a restaurant; having friends round for a “meal” can be a little difficult, but most don’t mind me watching...drooling; I love Indian and Nepalese food...not for three months! So when this second part is over, hopefully things can go back to normal; but very slowly to start with as my stomach readjusts to the idea of a meal!

The online Petition at No. 10 is now over 300! Please pass it on!

Have you signed the No 10 Petition yet? http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/stopsealshooting/

Please ask your Parliamentary Members to get the facts about seals and Highly Protected Marine Areas. Find your MP/MSP/MEP at www.writetothem.com

Day 45

2009-07-15T10:25:00.001+01:00

Facts and Comments:
Update: On the dead Dundee seals.
• The one dead adult and two pups found last week were all Common Seals.
• A post mortem was abandoned due to the state of decomposition.
• Shooting could not be ruled out.
• This is still in the “close” season for Common Seals, where mothers are pregnant, giving birth, lactating or looking after young and should not be shot.
• Current legislation allows for “exceptions”; the same legislation that is considered “adequate” by the English Government.
• Currently under the “new” Marine Bill in Scotland, this shooting may continue but under “licence” (remember the free downloadable online licences for birds, those that require NO CHECKS, NO DETAILS!).
• Reports of another dead seal coming in: more as I get it.

I have seen a photographic still of the dead mother and two pups and from my policing background, I would suggest that the position of the seals is “suspect” and subject to foul play.
Having been involved with the BBC’s Countryfile program; Shooting Seals, I can say that the photographic still would not have been shown to the general public as it is too graphic, too disturbing for some viewers.

Condition:
Starting to recover a bit from last week, weight loss now at 15 kilograms and tomorrow is a big day; the half way marker! (Day 46 of 92).
All down-hill from there (hopefully not a pun!).
No. 10 Petition nearly at 300! Please tell your friends ONLY 200 TO GO! and the Prime Minister will look into the seal shooting issue! That makes me feel better!

Have you signed the No 10 Petition yet? http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/stopsealshooting/

Please ask your Parliamentary Members to get the facts about seals and Highly Protected Marine Areas. Find your MP/MSP/MEP at www.writetothem.com

Day 44

2009-07-14T10:19:00.001+01:00

Facts and Comments:
Some would have you believe that seals are ferocious animals with gnashing teeth to be avoided at all costs; some even state that seals chew their way through “toughened” nets to get at fish; you will be pleased to hear that the reality is somewhat different!
• Firstly; seals have teeth designed for catching fish, they normally swallow their food whole.
• I’ve watched seals trying to deal with “larger” fish, they struggle, and they don’t appear to be able to masticate like us.
• Seals teeth are pointed for holding on to fish and have gaps between them, I would suggest that chewing through a strong net material is extremely difficult for a seal.
• If seals could “chew” through nets, why are some drowned caught in nets, why don’t they simply “chew” their way out?
• Mink have been known to gnaw through such materials and seals may be able to make them larger, I would suggest that this is the result of poor management, not the seals fault.

As for ferocious animals; I have sat in my sea-kayak and been amazed while they have played with the dangling toggles on the bow and stern. I have been swimming when a few seals approached me, even when I inadvertently separated a cow from her pup, she did not show any signs of aggression.

Seals cause few problems to people, it is people that cause the dilemma: human scent on a pup is enough to cause mum to abandon her young! A yacht anchoring within a seal colony causes displacement, particularly during the pupping season, this can kill! Also, the stealthy approach by kayaks to a haul-out can cause “flight” and subsequent death to pups!

It is easy to put the “blame” on seals, but the truth is; it is humans that have and are causing the problems to the seals, why can’t man and seal survive, we only have approximately 23,500 (the population of a small town) Common Seals left in the whole of the UK, when are we going to say; “enough is enough”?

Condition:
I don’t think that the “hungry” feeling will go away! Yesterday, was another rough day. Some unexpected changes; apparently my hair has become “softer”.

Have you signed the No 10 Petition yet? http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/stopsealshooting/

Please ask your Parliamentary Members to get the facts about seals and Highly Protected Marine Areas. Find your MP/MSP/MEP at www.writetothem.com

Day 43

2009-07-13T14:00:00.000+01:00

Facts and Comments:
• In order to shoot seals legally in the UK the Conservation of Seals Act 1970 states that; “a rifle using ammunition having a muzzle energy of not less than 600 footpounds and a bullet weighing not less than 45 grains,”
• The Moray Firth Seal Management Code of Practice http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/1221/0082878.pdf states that the “0.22 Hornet using 45 grain bullets (2.9g.) representing the lowest acceptable combination of bullet weight and energy”.
• The .22 Hornet is a low-end vermin (varmint) and predator centerfire rifle cartridge.
• It is generally regarded as very underpowered for deer unless bullet placement is absolutely precise. Many jurisdictions such as the UK and most states in the USA currently prohibit the Hornet for use on deer http://wapedia.mobi/en/.22_Hornet .
• It is considered that seals cannot be shot humanely by a heart or neck shot, due to their physiology.

Personal Comment:
Seals can be very much larger than certain British deer and Grey Seals can reach 500 kilograms (approx. half a ton).
I personally believe that the Scottish Government by advocating the use of weapons with such small muzzle energy is condoning welfare issues for seals. In addition to this I believe that shooting from boats or any other unstable platform is subject to the same issues, as is shooting in anything other than a flat calm sea state.
N.B. Non-lethal methods of deterring seals exist and proper spatial planning would eliminate the majority of seal predation problems.

Condition:
Two days of relative activity have taken their toll: had a very slow weekend and still suffering both from medical problems and those hunger related. I haven’t been able to attend the Sea Life Centre for talks over the last few days.
On a better note: weight loss has recommenced, I was a little more than concerned with no apparent weight loss over a period of 5/6 days on fluids (and meds.) only.

Have you signed the No 10 Petition yet? http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/stopsealshooting/

Please ask your Parliamentary Members to get the facts about seals and Highly Protected Marine Areas. Find your MP/MSP/MEP at www.writetothem.com

Day 42, SIX WEEKS!

2009-07-12T10:22:00.001+01:00

Facts and Comment:
The last of the three scientific papers: Butler et. al. 2008. The Moray Firth Seal Management Plan: an adaptive framework for balancing the conservation of seals, salmon, fisheries and wildlife tourism in the UK. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems.

Authors from: Scottish Government, SNH, FRS, SMRU, Uni. of Aberdeen, Lighthouse Field Stn, DSFB.

• “Within the Moray Firth, north-east Scotland, there is a history of conflict between seals and salmon fisheries. Under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970 (CoSA) seals are shot to protect fisheries”.
• “The declines in salmon and harbour seals, and the implementation of the Habitats Directive forced a watershed in the approach of statutory authorities to managing seals, salmon and tourism”.
• “In the UK there is a long history of conflict between harbour (Phoca vitulina L.) and grey (Halichoerus grypus Fabricius) seals and Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) fisheries”.
• “The recent establishment of wildlife tourism based on marine mammals has also increased interest in seal conservation (Young, 1998)”.
• “SMRU aerial counts showed a 57% decline in the Dornoch Firth SAC, from 690 animals in 1992 to 200 in 2002”.
• “a second Conservation Order in September 2004 specifically for the Moray Firth, and included grey seals to reduce the risk of harbour seals being mistakenly shot as greys”.
• “As a precautionary measure all seals reported as unidentified are recorded as harbour seals”.

• “the adaptive framework could be transferable to similar situations in other parts of the UK. For example, conflict between seals and fisheries occurs in the Firth of Clyde (Moore, 2003), the Orkney Islands (Thompson et al., 2001) and between seals and salmon farmers on the Scottish west coast (Quick et al., 2004)”.

• “However, there is evidence of a general decline in most of the large harbour seal colonies around Britain (Lonergan et al., 2007). In this situation local anthropogenic factors, such as shooting, need more stringent regulation to provide greater protection to a potentially compromised seal population,”

Personal comment:
I believe that the Moray Firth Seal Management Plan is particularly worrying for three reasons; 1, Little or no representation for the seals on the forum; 2, Under the Plan the Common Seal population still declined, it appeared that the numbers shot by the salmon netsmen was underestimated; 3, If this plan is to be used nationally, where different problems exist: We need a different approach, we have already lost one third of the Common Seal population in two years, how much more pressure can the UK population take? I’m expecting “local extinctions”, and if the same rates of decline continue;
Britain’s Common Seals could become extinct!

Condition:
Six Weeks! Nearly half way!
The last week has been somewhat worrying; almost no weight loss has the body adapted to the fast, is it on “shut-down”, what is happening?
It just goes to show how little the body actually needs to survive. Due to my medical condition, I do have an extremely sedentary lifestyle, but even so I would have thought that even I needed more than drinks!

Have you signed the No 10 Petition yet? http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/stopsealshooting/

Please ask your Parliamentary Members to get the facts about seals and Highly Protected Marine Areas. Find your MP/MSP/MEP at www.writetothem.com

Day 41

2009-07-11T11:59:00.000+01:00

Facts and Comments:
Continued; extracts from scientific papers, Quick. N. et. al. 2002. The Use of Anti-Predator Controls at Scottish Marine Salmon Farms. Fisheries Research Services.

• “Shooting was considered to be very effective by 45 (62%) of the 73 site managers who expressed an opinion on its effectiveness”.
• “It is not unusual for observers to confuse the identities of harbour and grey seals”.
• “Seals were the most widespread predators and harbour seals were reported to have caused loss or damage at significantly more farms than grey seals”.

Personnel comment: There is a lot of evidence that seals are being shot, especially Common Seals (remember that the Common Seal population has declined by 10,000 seals in two years)and yet the Scottish Government still maintain that Orca and Grey’s are the problem; WHY?

• “SNH’s current position is to advocate the use of tensioned net systems in favour of acoustic scarers and also to recommend that farms are not located in areas where they can be expected to be subject to high predation pressure”.
• “However, the use of seal scarers has increased significantly from 10% in 1985 to 49% in 2001”.

Personal comment: Acoustic deterrents come in two forms; Acoustic Deterrent Devices (ADDs) and Acoustic Harassment Devices (AHDs), the later are far more intense. I have conducted acoustic recordings in and around Special Areas of Conservation for seals. I recorded one particular fish farm device seven miles away from the source; in an area known to be a porpoise “hot-spot”.
Acoustic deterrents are known to adversely affect cetaceans: Cetaceans are a protected species!

SNH appear to disregard their own recommendation of: “to recommend that farms are not located in areas where they can be expected to be subject to high predation pressure”.
SNH do nothing regarding the total eradication of a seal colony in the Lismore SAC and said nothing during the Inchmarnock fish farm application, where a fish farm was to be located only 400m from a known haul-out.

Condition:
Totally shattered! A” slow” (slower than normal) day at home.

Have you signed the No 10 Petition yet? http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/stopsealshooting/

Please ask your Parliamentary Members to get the facts about seals and Highly Protected Marine Areas. Find your MP/MSP/MEP at www.writetothem.com

Day 40

2009-07-10T18:22:00.004+01:00

Facts and Comments:
A short link only for today:
Argyll has a great online news/information website at;
http://forargyll.com .

The seals issue has hit the headlines!

Next few days will catch-up on the scientific reports, first mentioned on Day 37.

Late PM Update:
• News just in; 3 dead common seals found this week in the Dundee area.
• 1 adult, 2 pups, all with horrendous injuries; stomachs slit and 1 pup skin cut away to expose its rib cage.
• They were found in an area where both the MOD and fishermen have been active.
More information as I get it.

No. 10 Petition is at 273 names: Fantastic! 500 is the magic figure; when the Prime Minister is said to take note of issues! Please pass it on!

Condition:
I’ve had a busy (at least as busy as I can get with limited mobility and ability) two days with the kids and Pony Club Camp, just returned and absolutely “pooped”, extra pain killers (narcotics and others) make no difference; hence the short coverage today, I’m off for a lie down!

Have you signed the No 10 Petition yet? http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/stopsealshooting/

Please ask your Parliamentary Members to get the facts about seals and Highly Protected Marine Areas. Find your MP/MSP/MEP at www.writetothem.com

Day 39

2009-07-09T00:46:00.001+01:00

Facts and Comments:
The Richard Dimbleby Lecture - Facing the Future, on BBC 1.
It can be viewed on BBC i Player soon; highly recommended!

From the BBC i Player website:
His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales gives The Richard Dimbleby Lecture from St James's Palace in London.
The heir to the throne has become well-known for identifying key issues ahead of mainstream public thinking, such as encouraging organic food production or emphasising the importance of inter-faith dialogue.
In this lecture, he sets out some of the serious challenges which the world faces, and explores how some of these issues could be tackled in the years ahead.

Condition:
Feeling very happy; HRH Prince Charles has stated (far more eloquently than me) what I have been calling for, for years!
Well done; Your Royal Highness!

Have you signed the No 10 Petition yet? http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/stopsealshooting/

Please ask your Parliamentary Members to get the facts about seals and Highly Protected Marine Areas. Find your MP/MSP/MEP at www.writetothem.com

A Letter from Buckingham Palace

2009-07-08T20:43:00.002+01:00

I have just received a reply from Buckingham Palace:
I apologise for this long report but I feel it is important to explain the events that have lead up to writing to Her Royal Highness and this reply:

The beginning of my concerns covering the marine environment started in 2002/3
• Local people attended Argyll Marine Management Forums.
• Council officials failed to mention environmental protection; stating, “We are facilitators”.
• Scottish Natural Heritage failed to act on environmental protection issues.
• Scottish Government failed to act on environmental protection.
• Scottish Minister failed to act on environmental protection.
• Letter of Complaint sent to the European Commissioner for the Environment by two independent groups.
• The result - A Letter of Formal Notice is issued to the UK Government: Failing to protect sites under the EC Habitats Directive.

A positive outcome from Europe concerning Special Areas of Conservation (SACs):
• Loch Creran SAC closed to scallop dredging.
• Local Council Plans include sites of environmental protection.
• Lismore SAC sets up seal “management” (however, the term “management” actually means shooting or displacing seals!) group.
• Firth of Lorn SAC closed to scallop dredging; subject to scientific review. The Minister states that “stakeholders” will be consulted and involved in scientific processes. But, political pressure is currently being applied to re-open the SAC.

Other Scottish Government Initiatives look good on paper, but there are issues:
• Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) Loch Etive and Loch Fyne; However, Loch Etive scheme appears to have ignored concerns from local residents and environmental group. Loch Fyne does not fair much better.
• Scottish Sustainable Marine Environment Initiative (SSMEI); four pilot areas including the Sound of Mull and the Firth of Clyde; Sound of Mull Working Group selected by council officers, which failed to include a local environmental group that complied with acceptance criteria; when contested the commercially biased membership was asked to vote on environmental group attending. Needless to say, the group was not invited to join. The comment was made later by a council employee that the working group worked well without conflict. Again no surprise given the bias! Excellent for stress free meetings, perhaps not so good for the environment (or seals).
• Information received from the Scottish Government under the Freedom of Information Act reveals that; the above environmental group were/are “tagged” as “troublemakers”.
• The Scottish Seals Forum routinely rejects requests from environmental/animal welfare groups from joining: currently its membership is in favour of the commercial industry by 2 to 1. (Excluding officials and scientists).
• Concerns raised with the Scottish Government go unheeded.
• A Petition was sent to the Scottish Public Petitions Committee; the Rural Affairs and Environment Committee agreed to take the matter in to consideration during its scrutiny of the Marine Bill.
• Seals were on the agenda at the recent Rural Affairs and Environment Committee trip to Oban: with only one representative from environmental groups invited and numerous from the commercial sector the short meeting departed from the seals issues no less than three times.

Drastic Times Call for Drastic Actions:
• The Coastal and Marine Access Bill and the Marine (Scotland) Bill have the potential to protect marine ecosystems and to provide for future use of the seas resources: But only if careful management and planning is boldly put in place; by standing up to the “short term” commercial interests and by introducing Highly Protected Marine Areas,- No Take Zones.
• Currently the Marine Bills give little protection to either the marine environment or seals due to clauses either being included or omitted in relevant places.
• The general public are unaware of these events that have the potential to alter the future heritage of our seas, this issue is bigger than just the seals, disregard for the marine environment has consequences for us all, our planet is 70% water, the seas and oceans have utmost importance in regulating life and climate, and everything is connected. Our actions have altered the balance of our environment.
• My hunger strike for seals and Highly Protected Marine Areas was a last ditch attempt to raise these issues in the public arena.
• The Petition online at No. 10; followed on and
• My latest attempt to highlight these issues was by writing to Her Royal Highness; The Queen.

The reply from Buckingham Palace states:
“Her Majesty has taken careful note of your comments.
As a constitutional Sovereign, The Queen acts on the advice of her Ministers, and I have, therefore been instructed to send your letter to the Right Honourable Hilary Benn, MP, the Secretary of State for the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, so that he may know of your approach to Her Majesty on this matter and may consider the points you raise”.

I most sincerely hope that the Minister does not reply in the same manner to Her Royal Highness as his department has responded to environmental groups recently: stating that seals have adequate protection; the same protection that has lead to the loss of 10,000 Common Seals in two years and the Conservation of Seals Act that has seen one conviction in 39 years!

Have you signed the No 10 Petition yet? http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/stopsealshooting/

Please ask your Parliamentary Members to get the facts about seals and Highly Protected Marine Areas. Find your MP/MSP/MEP at www.writetothem.com

Day 38

2009-07-08T10:26:00.001+01:00

Facts and Comments:
Extracts from scientific papers and “grey” literature;
Ross. Alison. 1988. Controlling Nature’s Predators on Fish Farms. Marine Conservation Society.

• “ the industry and the controlling bodies must commit themselves to a preventative approach to predator control to end the practice of displacement and shooting and to minimize the incidental killing of wildlife by entanglement in nets”.
• “Shooting occurs at most farms with little or no official control or record, and often unclear legal status”.
• “Very little advice is given, or responsibility taken, by any of the official bodies”.
• “Potential wildlife and predator conflicts should be much more thoroughly considered in the planning and administration of the fish farming industry”.
• “shooting has occurred in a completely uncontrolled fashion and that this is not discouraged by the management...One incident was described where a seal was shot and wounded with a shot gun and another where 7 seals were shot in one day...Another operator who claimed only to shoot seals that hang around the site, within the bay and immediately outside it, was caught two weeks later shooting seals at a haul-out two miles from the farm”.

What have we learnt in 21 years? Very little it seems.
What has changed in 21 years? Nothing! The shooting and displacement continues!

Condition:
Midway “blues” I think (who am I kidding half of 92 days is almost a week away); yet it helps to think that I am almost half way!
It doesn’t help much when you read report like the one above: why does the industry have so much hold over the government?
Physical condition: not bad.

Have you signed the No 10 Petition yet? http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/stopsealshooting/

Please ask your Parliamentary Members to get the facts about seals and Highly Protected Marine Areas. Find your MP/MSP/MEP at www.writetothem.com

Day 37

2009-07-07T10:29:00.002+01:00

Facts and Comments:
They don’t have to shoot: There has been very little in the way of scientific reports conducted using anti-predator controls at marine salmon farms, one of the most comprehensive reports dates back to 1988.
• Controlling Nature’s Predators on Fish Farms, 1988. A. Ross. Marine Conservation Society.
• The Use of Anti-Predator Controls at Scottish Marine Salmon Farms, 2002. N. Quick et al. Fisheries Research Services.
• The Moray Firth Seal Management Plan: an Adaptive Framework for Balancing the Conservation of Seals, Salmon, fisheries and wildlife tourism in the UK, J. Butler et al. Wiley InterScience.
Over the next few days I will take snippets from these reports which will show that; “They Don’t Have to Shoot”!

In my opinion; shooting is a result of human greed, increased profits, lack of understanding, lack of knowledge and a situation of “hyped” up peer pressure where every seal is seen as a “rogue” and where shooting is conducted alongside comments such as; only as a “last resort” or “absolute last resort”; this is said even when non-lethal anti-predation methods exist but are not used!

This shooting is even carried out in Special Areas of Conservation for SEALS!

Condition:
Keeping the mind active holds some of the hunger thoughts at bay; but they soon return and straight away when you put your feet up!
My weight loss is showing benefits, I’m feeling “better” and in less pain (reasons for medical retirement). Less pain means fewer drugs, although at present still only intermittently: but that’s a start! So in a way; the seals are helping me.

Have you signed the No 10 Petition yet? http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/stopsealshooting/

Please ask your Parliamentary Members to get the facts about seals and Highly Protected Marine Areas. Find your MP/MSP/MEP at www.writetothem.com

Day 36

2009-07-06T09:30:00.001+01:00

Facts and Comments:
Books and information on seals can be few and far between, I thought that some may be interested in what I consider to be some of the most interesting, some are old and out of print, I think that “British Seals” is well worth the effort of tracking a copy down. This absence of books gives an indication of just how little we know about these wonderfully inquisitive animals:
• British Seals by H.R. Hewer (1974); The New Naturalist Library, Collins. Very expensive but the US version by Taplinger Publishing can be up to a quarter of the price.
• Sealife, Edited by G. Waller (2003); Christopher Helm, London. This must be my favourite marine related book of all time! Gives an all-round insight to marine issues, ecosystems and inhabitants.
• Seals, C. Duck (2007); Scottish Natural Heritage. A great little up-to-date book for under a fiver.
• The Common Seal by P. Thompson (1989); Booklet by Shire Natural History.
• The Grey Seal by S. Anderson (1988); Boolet by Shire Natural History.
• Mammals, Edited by J. Clutton-Brock (2002); Dorling Kindersley.

Condition:
That craving for food a little less today, but had some health problems, needed to lie down for a while. I’ve noticed that my skin texture has changed, obviously missing some important nutrient.
Met some lovely, interested people yesterday at the Sea Life Centre: As usual unaware of the problems facing our seals but they have links with a College/Uni. in the East of Scotland and may be able to open-up some interesting dialogue in the future; the more people that know the facts the better.

Have you signed the No 10 Petition yet? http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/stopsealshooting/

Please ask your Parliamentary Members to get the facts about seals and Highly Protected Marine Areas. Find your MP/MSP/MEP at www.writetothem.com

Day 35

2009-07-05T10:38:00.001+01:00

Facts and Comment:
A few words from “The Unnatural History of the Sea” by Prof. Callum Roberts (p. 354);
• Some countries have decentralised management responsibilities for fisheries.
• The US has eight Fishery Management Councils covering different regions of the country.
• Council members are drawn from science, industry, conservation bodies, and the public.
Sounds great, so far...BUT;
• Up to half of the council members are made up of people from the fishing industry and Prof. Roberts states that,-
• “Putting fishers in charge of management decisions has been likened to having the fox in charge of the henhouse”.

Prof. Roberts goes on to say;
• “The timescales of politics and fishery management are very different... Forgoing catches today may yield benefits only in five or ten years from now, far beyond the horizon of politicians”.

The UK has the worst of both worlds, we have politicians “administering” in the short term and management forums that are either made up totally from the commercial industries or environmental groups are heavily outnumbered!

Condition:
FIVE WEEKS! Weight loss 14 kgs. Seems to be slowing down now, but then I guess that is to be expected.
Extremely hungry again yesterday. I thought that once the body was use to “no” food it would adjust; wrong!
Food withdrawal symptoms were made worse by the smell of home baking; boy am I looking forward to September!

Have you signed the No 10 Petition yet? http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/stopsealshooting/

Please ask your Parliamentary Members to get the facts about seals and Highly Protected Marine Areas. Find your MP/MSP/MEP at www.writetothem.com

Day 34

2009-07-04T10:20:00.002+01:00

Facts and Comments:
• The cod collapse of Newfoundland is well documented: it has never recovered.
• The Canadian salmon fisheries are going the same way: hardly surprising when narrows are completely blocked; I witnessed around 20 to 30 boats blocking a channel approaching Bella Bella, all with very long floats and drift nets.
• How long can the Peruvian anchovy fishery sustain the industrial onslaught; lots of which feeds our salmon farming at a rate of 4 to 1 (4 tonnes of anchovy to 1tonne of produced farmed salmon).
• Norway incinerated around 80,000 (from memory) tonnes of Rat-tail fish (a long lived deep water fish) in a power station!
• Industrial “hoover” ships, attempted to “hoover” the Moray Firth’s sandeels; the dolphins start to move south.
• Scallop dredging destroys habitats, which includes fish nursery grounds: for an analogy; consider dragging steel bars, chains and spikes over your garden, what would be left?
• Beam trawling can now be conducted at reasonably high speeds; damage to benthic (sea-bed) communities is huge; some may never recover.
• The fisheries of West Africa have been targeted by European commercial consortiums; this destroys local artisan fisheries and destitute communities starve.
• Most of the Word’s commercial fisheries are outside safe biological limits.
• What do we do? Carry on fishing!

Condition:
When you see what we are doing to “OUR” seas and oceans it is easy to become despondent. We are all responsible, from the consumers upwards. That I find hard to live with,- ignorance is not a line of defence in law! And yet still we carry on as if it won’t affect us.
Physical condition; remarkably good considering nearly five weeks of fasting!

Have you signed the No 10 Petition yet? http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/stopsealshooting/

Please ask your Parliamentary Members to get the facts about seals and Highly Protected Marine Areas. Find your MP/MSP/MEP at www.writetothem.com

Day 33

2009-07-03T11:07:00.001+01:00

Facts and Comments:
• Last night saw the last showing of the End of the Line in Oban; the fishing documentary based on the book by Charles Clover.
• I consider that the End of the Line book is the “Silent Spring” of the 21st Century.
• Rachel Carson’s book; Silent Spring inspired public concerns regarding pesticides and pollution and is seen by some as the launch of the environmental movement in the 1960’s.
• We now know that the marine environment and the oceans are so vitally important to our own survival: from species biodiversity to biotechnology, from food stocks to climate change, why then are so few people apparently interested?
• I attended the showings in Oban with a poster display and leaflets; I knew most of the people attending; a hand full of scientists, some from the local Sea Life Centre, a few environmentalists, a tourist boat operator, two scallop divers and just a few more, two of which were “officials” and they just laughed when they saw my hunger strike poster!
• We are preaching to the converted! Those that probably knew a lot about the subject before they saw the film: why?
• Is this a typical case of, “Out of sight, out of mind”? Do people really not care? This is the future; both for us and that of our children: To do nothing is not an option, or we will face the consequences!

Condition:
Yesterday morning was hard, still feeling the effects today; sore and tired.
One of the kids did some “home baking” yesterday, it did smell good; I can still “taste” the smell. I was so tempted, but resisted!
Another kilo bites the dust!

Have you signed the No 10 Petition yet? http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/stopsealshooting/

Please ask your Parliamentary Members to get the facts about seals and Highly Protected Marine Areas. Find your MP/MSP/MEP at www.writetothem.com

Day 32

2009-07-02T10:05:00.003+01:00

Facts and Comments:
• Thanks to Loch Etive Cruises; who advised me yesterday that our local seal colony has about six pups.
• This is the local seal colony where the picture of the dead seal pup in the header picture was taken from this time last year.
• We are now getting well into the Common Seal pup time, now is more important than ever to give the little guys time to “warm” on the rocks, reefs and sandbanks around our coast.
• As for one of the areas in the Lismore Special Area of Conservation, designated for seals: continued harassment by the salmon farm;
• No action taken by Scottish Natural Heritage;
• No action taken by the Scottish Government;
• No action taken by the police (because the laws have not been transposed sufficiently).
• No attempt to “restore” to Favourable Conservation Status, as required by the EC Habitats Directive.
• No seals!

Condition:
Leg twinges were back last night, I hope that this is not going to be a reoccurrence of the last set of sleepless nights!
I’ve not mentioned my physical condition, the reasons for me being pensioned from the police on purpose, but these leg twinges are not those associated with my normal leg and back pains. I have wondered if they are associated with a lack of some vital proteins or vitamins.
PM Update:
Totally drained this morning, didn’t make to the Sea Life Centre. I usually lie down in afternoon to ease compression on my spine and legs but to be back in bed by 11.30 am is very unusual.

Have you signed the No 10 Petition yet? http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/stopsealshooting/

Please ask your Parliamentary Members to get the facts about seals and Highly Protected Marine Areas. Find your MP/MSP/MEP at www.writetothem.com

Day 31

2009-07-01T10:29:00.003+01:00

Facts and Comments:
• The Oban Cinema has been showing “The End of the Line” and “The Age of Stupid” recently, the showing completes on Thursday so there is still time to see them.
• These two films should be compulsory viewing for schools, politicians, planners, governments and their agencies.
• We know so much about our “over-fishing” and our “effects on OUR climate”; why are we not doing anything about it?
• Talk does nothing! It is ACTIONS that count.
• Our generation will go down in history as the most greedy, selfish, uncaring people in our past, and it is our children what will be thinking that about us: The reasons for this is that we KNOW what we are doing, we have the facts! And we have done nothing to stop it.
• There is still time to change, but not much.
• We need governments and politicians that will put the environment first and this will fit neatly in with sustainable use and the future of our economy.
• “Eco” is not “green”, it’s not just for “tree-huggers”; “Eco” comes from the Greek for “HOME”, our home and we call it Earth!

Condition:
1st day of the second month feels great to have one month down but another two to do; seems a long way to go !
Very “stiff” today; lethargy is back, a real go slow!

Have you signed the No 10 Petition yet? http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/stopsealshooting/

Please ask your Parliamentary Members to get the facts about seals and Highly Protected Marine Areas. Find your MP/MSP/MEP at www.writetothem.com

Day 30

2009-06-30T10:58:00.000+01:00

One Month Recap:
• To mark to first month and to introduce many new people to my Blog I thought that a recap may be useful.
• Firstly, thank you to all for your support and for signing the Petition at No. 10, if you haven’t already done so the details are below.
• For a summary of events and reasons for going on hunger strike please go to Archive 02 Day One.
• Seals are shot in the UK by fishermen, netsmen, anglers, and aquaculture, nobody knows the actual figures but using “best available information” this may be in the region of 3,500 to 4,000 per year.
• The recent admission on BBC’s Countryfile by the Scottish Salmon Producers Organisation of 500 is one, a gross underestimate and two, far to many, especially so while the Common Seals are in such decline. Also, as I understand it, the SSPO only represents about half of the fin fish industry and does not include the fishermen, netsmen or the anglers.
• The Scottish Marine Bill does not include provision for Highly Protected Marine Areas.
• Officials working on the English/Welsh Coastal and Marine Access Bill, tells NGO’s that these Fishery Production Areas or No Take Zones are provided for within provisions within parts of the Bill: Believe that if you will!

Weigh-in and Feeling Good!
It’s official: TWO STONE; 13 Kilograms; 28.6 pounds! Lost in one month. In a way the seals and the need for Highly Protected Marine Areas are helping me.
Time has come, in order to preserve modesty, to put extra holes in my belt!
The response has been fantastic and still growing; the Petition I am told only needs to reach 500 when the Prime Minister looks into the concerns of the petition; please tell your friends!
This great response and encouragement has carried me through the rough times, but once again, I would not recommend this course of action to anyone!

Have you signed the No 10 Petition yet? http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/stopsealshooting/

Please ask your Parliamentary Members to get the facts about seals and Highly Protected Marine Areas. Find your MP/MSP/MEP at www.writetothem.com

Day 29

2009-06-29T09:38:00.001+01:00

Facts and Comments:
• Common Seals lose their first “white” coat while in the mother’s uterus. Their brown/grey mottled coat provides for excellent camouflage while they are on rocky outcrops.
• These pups are able to swim on the next tide but it is vitally important for them to have time out of the water in order to keep warm.
• Displacement of seals while they are hauled out is common place and it is especially fraught with problems during the pupping season.
• Following deliberate disturbance by commercial industry; yachtsmen and canoeists have the potential to cause most damage.
• Yachtsmen (and the female versions) please avoid seal colonies especially during the pup season, there are a plethora of anchorages on the west coast of Scotland, all of them equally as beautiful.
• Sea-kayakers, your silent approach is one of the most disturbing for seals, please keep a wide berth from seal haul outs. If they are in the water they will come to you!

Condition:
At this stage, I don’t think that the hunger pains are going to go away. A natural reaction I guess!
The muscle spasms and twitches seem to have gone for now, which allows for a good night’s sleep and that always helps!

Have you signed the No 10 Petition yet? http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/stopsealshooting/

Please ask your Parliamentary Members to get the facts about seals and Highly Protected Marine Areas. Find your MP/MSP/MEP at www.writetothem.com

Day 28

2009-06-28T10:19:00.001+01:00

Facts and Comments:
• Did you know that common and grey seals use their hind flippers to propel them forward, in a side to side motion? The articulation ability within the hind flippers is amazing, many shapes and angles are possible.
• Sea lions and fur seals use their front flippers in a bird wing like action to swim.
• Have you ever looked at an Orca skeleton? The resemblance to us is uncanny; the pectoral flipper contains; four fingers and a thumb, and similar bones to the arm.
• Seals have a similar bone assemblage within their flippers; I was watching one of the common seals at the Sea Life Sanctuary while she was hauled-out. She was using her index finger to delicately scratch herself; with dexterity and precision, bending it just like we can, articulated like ours and the rest of the flipper remained static.
• Why are these animals so misunderstood?

Condition:
A hard day yesterday, very hungry, it took a lot of will power not to give in and eat something! Hunger pains still come and go, the kilos just seem to go, slowly, but another one lost (there is some good news doing this!).
Lethargy seems to be a part of everyday now as I get closer to the end of the first month.

Have you signed the No 10 Petition yet? http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/stopsealshooting/

Please ask your Parliamentary Members to get the facts about seals and Highly Protected Marine Areas. Find your MP/MSP/MEP at www.writetothem.com

Day 27

2009-06-27T10:05:00.000+01:00

Facts and Comment:
• I saw “The End of the Line” last night; the documentary film based on the book by Charles Clover. It was both excellent and disturbing, well worth watching before you buy you next fish meal!
• The book and documentary cover issues such as “What we have done to fish stocks in the past” as well as “what we are doing to our fish stocks today”.
• No change; Humans are supposed to be “intelligent”, why can we not learn from past mistakes?
• Fishery scientists develop sustainable quotas; Politicians double them; and some fishermen double that in the illegal “black” catch. By-catch rules are just downright immoral.
• The film covers the benefits of Marine Reserves, otherwise known as Highly Protected Marine Areas in this country: No Take Zones.
• 30% of our oceans as Marine Reserves will protect our future in fish, increase catch and reduce effort: When are we (and our Politicians) going to wake up to that fact?
• It’s time that the fishing associations and multinational aquaculture companies took responsibility. But then the public and retailers too, after all we buy the fish; when did you last ask the question, “Is it from a sustainable source”?

Condition:
Feeling weaker, but over the moon about the message in the film above; it has covered all of the aspects that I and my colleagues have been campaigning about for years. When people have been campaigning about issues for many years and it seems that the Relevant Authorities are simply “not interested” and following “their own political agenda”, it is easy to get despondent. But every now and again new contacts are made, new stories, new films and you get that feeling of not being alone! A welcome boost!

Have you signed the No 10 Petition yet? http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/stopsealshooting/

Please ask your Parliamentary Members to get the facts about seals and Highly Protected Marine Areas. Find your MP/MSP/MEP at www.writetothem.com

Day 26

2009-06-26T10:03:00.000+01:00

Facts and Comments:
• The Scottish Government’s “Spin” Release; sorry Press Release regarding seals (THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT FINDINGS OF NEW SEALS STUDY UNVEILED); in April this year, referring to predation by Orca and displacement of common seals by grey seals) is now starting to emerge in glossy magazines.
• I can see why “Seal Eating Orca”; would make for headline stories, and occasionally some of them do (the meat eaters as opposed to the fish eaters).
• But the facts of the story remain: the Scottish Government press release dismissed local shooting and disease as explanations for the reductions in common seals but said that killer whale predation was a significant factor. This was not backed up by the SCOS report (referenced earlier); which did not mention killer whales or provide evidence of competition with grey seals.
• If you find more press coverage regarding this please let me know (contact details in “my complete profile”).
• Why would the Scottish Government want to issue such “spin” leading up to this vitally important time during deliberations of the Marine Bill, where the future of UK common seals could hang in the balance?

Condition:
First full night’s sleep in five nights!
For the last few days now I’ve been going through intense “food wants”, everything and anything. The bunch of grapes in the kitchen look very appealing: but I’ve not had any, not even one!
Another kilo bites the dust.
Had my second round of applause at the Sea Life Centre talk yesterday; must be doing something right!
The film; “End of the Line” (covering the abuse of fishing and much, much more) is now showing in Oban. Other areas can get to see this film by requesting it at your local cinema.

Have you signed the No 10 Petition yet? http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/stopsealshooting/

Please ask your Parliamentary Members to get the facts about seals and Highly Protected Marine Areas. Find your MP/MSP/MEP at www.writetothem.com

Day 25

2009-06-25T07:48:00.001+01:00

Scottish Government’s News Release on Scotland's seal population (online date:23/04/2009).
(News release quotes in “x”, I have quoted this press release before, this refers to a different section of it).
“A new study into Scotland's seal population shows that:
• Scotland has more grey seals than previously estimated but that common seals are still in decline
• It is now estimated that there are around 164,000 grey seals in Scotland, more than previous reports suggested and 90 per cent of the estimated UK mean population
• The main causes of these local reductions are unclear at present but predation by killer whales in the Northern Isles and competition for food supplies with grey seals could be significant factors”

Information from the Sea Mammal Research Unit (very important, and not included in most articles following the SG Press Release!),-
Grey seals are counted by using a model system based on the number of pups observed; a new model system is being used which indicates an averaged estimate with larger confidence levels
“Consequently, the published population estimate is significantly higher than that of 2006. This does not however indicate a major increase in population size since 2006”. (the full report can be viewed at: http://www.smru.st-andrews.ac.uk/documents/SCOS_2008_v1.pdf

“Environment and Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead said: "We have already taken decisive action to provide additional protection for common seals and introduced additional monitoring and research to look at probable causes”.
I would like to formally invite Minister Lochead to the local Special Area of Conservation and actually show him the reasons for decline: a fin fish farm with its mooring chains up on the seals haul-out, a generator and diesel tank about 20m from the haul-out, six caged structures close to and in line with the haul-out, a feed barge, daily visits from fish farm workers and acoustic deterrents on 24/7.
How would you like to have babies with all that going on around you?

“A seal conservation order has been in place since 2007 to protect common seals against shooting in the Northern Isles and along the east coast”.
This seal Conservation Order failed to stop a man clubbing 21 seal pups to death in Shetland during the winter. So poor is the current seal legislation that this barbaric act does not constitute a crime under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970.

“It is unlikely that any single factor is responsible. It is already clear that local shooting and disease do not explain the significant reductions reported”.
The government has already stated that they DO NOT HAVE THE FIGURES FOR SEALS SHOT; which makes the last statement: false! If you work with the estimate kill figures from one seal group of 3,500-4,000 seals per year, add in the predation by Orca and potential displacement by Grey Seals, the result is very close to the 10,000 seal decline in two years!

But this Scottish Government refuses to look into the “SHOOTING OF SEALS: WHY?

The full government report can be found at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2009/04/23115405

Condition:
Surprisingly good considering 25 days of fasting!

Have you signed the No 10 Petition yet? http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/stopsealshooting/

Please ask your Parliamentary Members to get the facts about seals and Highly Protected Marine Areas. Find your MP/MSP/MEP at www.writetothem.com

Day 24

2009-06-24T10:37:00.003+01:00

Facts and Comment:
• In one of my publicity flyers I have said that Common and Grey Seals are RARE.
• One scientist has taken issue with this statement, let’s look at the numbers:
• In Scotland we have approx. 20,000 Common Seals; they represent nearly 90% of the UK total and of that, about 40% of the European total.
• There are five sub species of Common Seals; the European sub species, funny enough is limited to Europe, which means that the European total is also the World total.
• I think that less than 60,000 Common Seals; Phoca vitulina vitulina is RARE!

• In Scotland we have about 140,000 Grey Seals; Halichoerus grypus (under the old method of calculation, more about that tomorrow), this is approx 40% of the Global population, which is approx. 350,000, I believe that any animal in World terms at only 350,000 is RARE.
• So I stand by my comment: UK’s Common and Grey Seals are RARE!

To put these figures in perspective, using town populations as an analogy:
We have the same number of European Common Seals in the World as the population of Aldershot or Taunton.
We have the same number of Grey Seals in the World as the population of Reading or Teeside.
People by comparison are approaching: 7,000,000,000!

Condition:
First good night’s sleep in four days! And the sun is shining!
Very hungry yesterday.
Leg and arm twinges still present but not so pronounced.
Lots of support still coming in; excellent for moral!

Have you signed the No 10 Petition yet? http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/stopsealshooting/

Please ask your Parliamentary Members to get the facts about seals and Highly Protected Marine Areas. Find your MP/MSP/MEP at www.writetothem.com

Day 23

2009-06-23T11:22:00.006+01:00

I have been asked the question, why take this action for seals? Isn’t this an emotional response rather than an informed one! (Sorry this report is a little longer than normal but the reasoning is very important, please read on; condition update tomorrow).

Am I being emotional, NO; just because seals are charismatic, emotive animals does not make them less worthy of protection. Seals are the focus here because the practice of shooting seals under the guise of stock protection is simply wrong, and I consider them as ecosystem indicators. Animals are being killed due to poor planning; a fishing/aquaculture interest is sited close to a seal colony and then seals are shot or otherwise harassed. Non lethal anti-predator control methods exist, and individual problematic seals can be identified. However, this takes time, effort and money – shooting is the easiest and the cheapest solution!

This is not just about seals; it is also about the marine environment. I am taking this action after seven years of ‘’political correctness’’. I am part of a group of local individuals all wanting better protection for the marine environment, all seasoned marine people from different perspectives and we could see what was happening and wanted to do something to protect the environment from further destruction.

Many public environmental meetings in connection with government marine initiatives as well as meetings with NGOs, Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), and Scottish Government were attended. We were astounded at the way these “official” meetings were conducted, it was clear that the commercial interests had the ‘’ear’’ of the policy makers, and there was almost no-one to counter their view. We stood up to these views and highlighted numerous marine environmental situations; areas where existing laws were being ignored (or conveniently explained away). We highlighted one such breach first locally, then nationally and when our comments were essentially ignored, we took the complaint to Europe. This complaint was upheld and a Letter of Formal Notice was issued to the UK. This of course was again explained away by SNH and the Scottish Government and efforts are now underway to overturn the fishing by dredge prohibition in a protected area. Following this action, we were labelled as ‘’trouble makers’’ and as such we have found just about every avenue blocked.

This is not an emotive campaign, this is a logical attempt to make a difference: environmental protection combined with ‘’true’’ sustainable environmentally friendly use of the marine resources. With little money for a campaign that would reach the general public, a hunger strike is an extreme way of attracting attention, not one to be taken lightly and not one I would recommend anyone doing!

Am I anti-fishing and aquaculture? NO! I grew up in a rural area, have been self-employed and am well aware of the benefits of local industry, many local fishermen are extremely knowledgeable in what they do and highly conservation minded. I also believe that with a Global population fast approaching seven billion people, aquaculture is the only way forward, but with herbivore fish as is done in China and polyculture, doubling the outputs and “cleaning” up the mess afterwards. In the UK, fin fish farming, such as salmon has improved on its poor environmental record, but it still has a way to go. To catch and kill up to four tonnes of wild fish to produce one tonne of salmon is not sustainable. The practice of shooting seals indiscriminately is morally wrong, compounded by the catastrophic decline in the Common Seal population. We have obligations to our future generations, what will we leave for them; jellyfish and toxic plankton?

The licensing system within the Scottish Marine Bill as proposed, will not afford better protection. It will make it legal to shoot seals in their breeding season, provided they have a licence. The operator will apply for a licence to shoot ‘’x’’ number of seals, this will then be granted, reduced or denied depending on population numbers, and how many it is believed (by scientists) can be killed without adversely affecting the population as a whole. There is no assertion of guilt here, there is no evidence required that a particular seal is causing a problem. For example, fish farms can be placed within meters of an existing seal haul out, and then apply for a licence to get rid of the seals. It is likely that the numbers of seals killed will be self declared. We already know of one instance where a contractor was employed to shoot one seal, but instead shot around 50! Only one seal “kill” was logged, easy to do in remote marine regions. This licence system will rely on the honesty of the operator, the same operators that have routinely declined to provide numbers of seals shot to date! There are no improvements with respect to seals within the English and Welsh Marine Bill.

My hunger strike is a last ditch attempt to raise public awareness during a vitally important time for the Marine Bill processes. The marine environment needs Highly Protected Marine Areas; this is unlikely to occur, because there are clauses in the provisions that could allow fishing effort to continue even in a protected area, whole ecosystems should be protected. The seal issue has also not been considered adequately, contrary to a Government “spokesman’s” comments and I would welcome the opportunity to discuss this with that official, but he has failed to appear at two separate pre-arranged meetings in order to discuss the seal issues. It is my hope that public awareness will encourage Parliamentary members to look deeper into the commercial propaganda before debating and voting on what I consider to be the most important legislation, in our lifetime, for the future of our marine ecosystems.

Apologies for the length of this one! Please if you haven’t done so already add your name to the No. 10 Petition!

Have you signed the No 10 Petition yet? http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/stopsealshooting/

Please ask your Parliamentary Members to get the facts about seals and Highly Protected Marine Areas. Find your MP/MSP/MEP at www.writetothem.com

Day 22

2009-06-22T01:17:00.004+01:00

Facts and Comments:
• This campaign is starting to have an effect; one member of the public has just received a response from their MP.
• Not a particularly helpful response and one that avoided the issues so it is worth more questions.
• It’s worth checking what “interests” your MP/MSP has, and maybe time to change your vote!
• If you write to your Parliamentary Members and get an ambiguous answer, it is worth a reply, highlighting the actual problems facing our seals and their environment. If you would like help on these issues please forward the MP/MSP’s reply to me and I can help with a response (contact details in “my complete profile”).
• Over 150 signatories on the No 10 Petition!
• Thank you for helping.

Condition:
Another sleepless night, I never thought that sleep deprivation would be one of the side effects of a hunger strike.
The muscle “twinges” in my legs could be nerves or even both, they are now occurring about every 30 seconds when I lie down; driving me mad! That’s why I’m up and writing this at 1am.

10.30am Update:
7 Hours sleep...Yippee!
I normally have between 10 to 12 hours and because of my previous medical condition an hour or so in the afternoon.

Have you signed the No 10 Petition yet? http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/stopsealshooting/

Please ask your Parliamentary Members to get the facts about seals and Highly Protected Marine Areas. Find your MP/MSP/MEP at www.writetothem.com

Day 21

2009-06-21T02:12:00.004+01:00

Facts and Comments:
• During 2007 in response to the observed declines in Common Seals around the UK an attempt was made to survey the entire Scottish and the English east coast populations.

• Results from surveys carried out in 2006 found a decline in apparent abundance in Orkney and Shetland of 42% compared with 2001.
• Results from 2007 confirmed the magnitude of the decline in Orkney.
• Results from 2007 showed that a similar decline (25%) has occurred in Strathclyde.
• 2007 also showed continuing declines in the Tay populations.
• There was no recovery in the Moray Firth or the English East coast populations.
• These apparently widespread declines give clear cause for concern.
• Data and text taken from:
http://www.smru.st-andrews.ac.uk/documents/SCOS_2008_v1.pdf

Condition:
BIG input today, but it is,- three weeks!
Weight loss: 10kgs. Problems; losing trousers!
Here we go again, another sleepless night! Mind working at overtime, muscles twitching.
Last night very cold, tonight too hot.
Stress: I don’t get stressed, well not in the normal sense. But then a hunger strike is not normal.
It’s funny how people have reacted from wow, to real concern to down right bloody rude, but then it takes all kinds.
One thing is for sure if seals had an NGO, or small groups could get more money to campaign, just to give a “balance” against the commercial sectors in government dealings I wouldn’t be doing this!
But if we don’t try to inform people of what is going on; I guess that I wouldn’t be able to sleep at night!
Computer settings appear to have caused a little more than “normal” stress, my mass mail shot included hundreds of “extra” email addresses that I didn’t even know that I had. They had obviously been saved automatically on incoming mail. Sorry for blocking people up.
Actually maybe I shouldn’t be sorry; maybe I should be moaning to the people that sent all these addresses. All of these extra emails have blocked my computer up and with 1500 contacts, a lot of them important that is going to take a whole load of sorting; that’s stress!

11am Update: ONLY 2 HOURS SLEEP!

Have you signed the No 10 Petition yet? http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/stopsealshooting/

Please ask your Parliamentary Members to get the facts about seals and Highly Protected Marine Areas. Find your MP/MSP/MEP at www.writetothem.com

Day 20

2009-06-20T01:06:00.004+01:00

Facts and Comments:
• I thought you might like some background to the little guy in the header picture.
• The local seal tour boat advised me that a dead seal pup was on the local seal colony haul-out (where seals need to rest, give birth and moult) last summer.
• My kids acted as my crew and we took our boat to the colony to investigate.
• Very sad, she had been there for about a week, very thin, emaciated and dead.
• My kids helped to bury her, at 12 & 14 years old my kids and I should not have to do that!
• We don’t know what happened to mum, pups can face a high mortality rate, but there had been shooting in the area.

Condition:
Another sleepless night, I don’t know why a hunger strike should stop me from sleeping but it will have a knock-on effect at daybreak.
Feeling sick, empty stomach very uncomfortable.
Had a bit of a scare, first time round at the docs. Only went in to be weighed, ended up having blood pressure, bloods and an ECG!
Had a great audience at the Oban Sea Life Centre yesterday, that helps to keep focused, it helps to be reminded why I’m doing this; thanks guys!

Update: 11am.
Two and a half hours sleep! Not a good night.
I’ll mention a little about stress brought on by hunger strike tomorrow;
the three weeks stage!

Stop Press:
Oban Sea Life Centre is celebrating its 30th anniversary.
All local people go FREE! Today and Sunday.
Many extras; including pipes, balloon specialist and a six foot walking cuddly seal!

Have you signed the No 10 Petition yet? http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/stopsealshooting/

Please ask your Parliamentary Members to get the facts about seals and Highly Protected Marine Areas. Find your MP/MSP/MEP at www.writetothem.com

Day 19

2009-06-19T09:47:00.000+01:00

Facts and Comments:
• The No 10 Petition received over 80 signatures in 24 hours! That’s really good just wait until the word gets out.
• So many people have been shocked and totally unaware that UK seals are being shot.
• We’ve known for years about the multi-national aquaculture companies keeping the “facts” about seal shooting secrete.
• But I really don’t understand the stance given by the Scottish Government and Scottish Natural Heritage: “Seals have adequate protection” and “What decline?”
• Outrageous!

Condition:
Arms and legs feel like lead today.
Not good news regarding my medical condition but this is important, so the hunger strike continues.
And for too much information (look away now if you don’t want to see the results);
That wanting to go feeling but nothing there...horrible!

Have you signed the No 10 Petition yet? http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/stopsealshooting/

Please ask your Parliamentary Members to get the facts about seals and Highly Protected Marine Areas. Find your MP/MSP/MEP at www.writetothem.com

Day 18

2009-06-18T09:08:00.003+01:00

Facts and Comments:

Please get involved: Helping is as easy as,- 1, 2, 3.

1. Sign the No 10 Online petition at: http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/stopsealshooting/
2. Write to your Parliamentary Members, asking them to check the facts before debating on these issues. You can get their details at,- www.writetothem.com
3. If you buy salmon, please ask for “Seal Friendly Salmon”, where seals have not been shot during its production.

Thank you!

STOP PRESS: The No 10 Petition has only been up and running since last night and 31 people have signed already!

Condition:
Off to the “quacks” today, she probably thinks that I am “quackers”!
I must be if she is going to take more blood.
Mental state: Brilliant! I’ve had so much support and I've just received a letter addressed to “Stop Shooting the Seals” Campaigner, Oban, and it arrived!
Such wonderful support, thank you so much!
Thank you Fife and thanks to the Post Office!

Have you signed the No 10 Petition yet? http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/stopsealshooting/

Please ask your Parliamentary Members to get the facts about seals and Highly Protected Marine Areas. Find your MP/MSP/MEP at www.writetothem.com

Seals Petition at No 10

2009-06-17T17:22:00.003+01:00

Please visit the new seals petition at No 10 Downing St, London:
http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/stopsealshooting/

The petition reads:

We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to Stop shooting
seals: British seals should have the same protection as
dolphins and otters.

Further information on the petition:

Seals are sentient mammals that experience pain, distress, fear
and other forms of suffering. Britain’s Common Seal
population is in a catastrophic decline. There is no “humane”
method of shooting seals whilst they are in the water and
shooting from an unstable platform is “inherently inhumane”.

Shooting continues throughout the “close” season and seal pups
can take weeks to die following the death of their mother,
stress and starvation is terrible. Scientific evidence shows
that only a very small percentage of identifiable seals target
fin fish farms, salmon netsmen’s nets and salmon rivers,
Non-lethal methods to prevent seals from damaging aquaculture
interests exist; there is no need to shoot seals. There is no
protection for preventing “harassment” of seals even in
protected areas and no requirement to report the number of
seals shot.

Species “confusion” is common place when shooting; therefore
protection should be given to both of Britain’s resident seal
species: Grey and Common Seals (Halichoerus grypus and Phoca
vitulina vitulina).

Please sign the No 10 Petition at: http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/stopsealshooting/ Pass it On!

Please ask your Parliamentary Members to get the facts about seals and Highly Protected Marine Areas. Find your MP/MSP/MEP at www.writetothem.com

Day 17

2009-06-17T11:16:00.001+01:00

Facts and Comments:
• Nameless the Scottish Government spokesman: Press & Journal (16-6-09), I might do a name and shame later on during my hunger strike.
• The spokesman said: “Substantial improvements” (for seals). There may be some improvements but then that’s not difficult in a law that has only had ONE successful prosecution in 39 years!
• “Increased penalties”: An increase over £50 is not difficult! But it still won’t stop the illegal shooting.
• The “License”: I’ve already mentioned the licenses to kill birds; downloadable from the Scottish Government website, no checks and no details required. I have TWO!
• “Advocated by animal welfare supporters”: Wow! what “spin”, should this spokesperson be sacked or promoted; First Minister perhaps. What was said, “IF shooting MUST continue, we have some strong recommendations”. This is a reflection on the bias in the Scottish Seals Forum, not an agreement to shooting seals!

Condition:
Very rough yesterday in the afternoon.
Very hungry.
It is starting to take its toll now!

Please ask your Parliamentary Members to get the facts about seals and Highly Protected Marine Areas. Find your MP/MSP/MEP at www.writetothem.com

Day 16

2009-06-16T10:04:00.000+01:00

Facts and Comments:
• With the current “mindset” in Government to appears that we will never truly have sustainable environmentally friendly use of our seas resources.
• For this reason alone it is why we must have Highly Protected Marine Areas: No Take Zones. At least then we will have “some” areas free from abuse, habitat destruction and over exploitation.
• The current Marine Bill in Scotland does not allow for Highly Protected Marine Areas.
• Currently fishermen will be exempt from the legislation that creates Marine Protected Areas, this will make MPAs useless, nothing more than a paperwork exercise.

Condition:
Becoming increasingly tired and in less time.
Tummy, calmed down a little today.
Mental state, still exceptionally strong, fuelled by supportive comments from the public while giving talks at the Sea Life Centre.

Please ask your Parliamentary Members to get the facts about seals and Highly Protected Marine Areas. Find your MP/MSP/MEP at www.writetothem.com

Day 15

2009-06-15T10:52:00.001+01:00

Facts and Comment:
• In the Scottish Mail yesterday a Scottish Government spokesman stated, “The Bill offers adequate protection for seals”.
• This “anonymous” spokesman must have a double in Westminster, because they have said the same and yet they have not even “looked” at seals.
• Two very different paths but the same conclusion: “None so deaf as those that don’t want to hear”; “None so blind as those that don’t want to see” and nowhere better than under the sea: “Out of sight, out of mind”!
• But, if Britain’s seals have adequate protection, why have we lost 10,000 seals in the last two years?

Condition:
First good night sleep for a while, feeling much better.
As I write, my stomach sounds as if I have a bear in it!
Mental state; excellent, stage two started watch this space!

Please ask your Parliamentary Members to get the facts about seals and Highly Protected Marine Areas. Find your MP/MSP/MEP at www.writetothem.com

Day 14

2009-06-14T00:59:00.004+01:00

Facts & Comment:
• Common Seals Phoca vitulina vitulina could become extinct in UK waters within five to seven years if the current rate of decline continues, most certainly “locally extinct” in specific areas.
• Previous hunger striker; Barry Horne died from liver failure at the two week stage when he was on hunger strike in protest at government policies.
• We do not own the seas or their inhabitants; but we are the guardians for our future generations. How will you explain to your grandchildren that we trashed the marine environment?

Condition:
Two weeks, only eleven to go!
Still getting intense hunger pains. Actually made it out in my sea kayak, it was flat calm and nice and warm, only slowly around the bay.
Slept for nearly three hours afterwards.
Not sleeping again and feeling sick.
Weight loss: 8kgs.

Update 10am:
Terrible night, forgot to take medication for pain (synthetic narcotics). Cold shivers, muscle shimmers and very agitated. The Doctor of Pain as I call him states it is called; dependency but it is just the same as addiction to me; the first stages of “cold turkey”, I guess.

Please ask your Parliamentary Members to get the facts about seals and Highly Protected Marine Areas. Find your MP/MSP/MEP at www.writetothem.com

Day 13

2009-06-13T09:23:00.001+01:00

Facts and Comment:
• The Marine and Coastal Access Bill in England and Wales provides even less protection for seals than the Marine (Scotland) Bill.
• The Bill in England and Wales is in its Final Report Stage where the last changes can be made.
• Time is short for changes: It is due before the House of Commons on the 23rd June 2009.
• There is next to no protection for UK seals.
• With the current rate of decline UK Common Seals could become extinct in UK waters within five to seven years!
• Further details can be viewed on the government website at: http://news.parliament.uk/2009/05/marine-bill-report-stage-3/

Condition:
Cold, very cold and can’t get warm.
Feeling a little better following a good night’s sleep.
Seal Sea Life talks very positive and excellent feed-back. Several schools are undertaking “seal” projects.
This “positive” reaction has a knock-on effect: I feel great; it is making a difference!
Pass it on!

Please ask your Parliamentary Members to get the facts about seals and Highly Protected Marine Areas. Find your MP/MSP/MEP at www.writetothem.com

Day 12

2009-06-12T02:11:00.004+01:00

Facts and Comment:
• Yesterday saw the close for submissions for the Marine (Scotland) Bill and I’ve got to say that the future for our seals and seas are in for a “rough” time if it goes through as it is. You can see my flyer and new submissions (loading soon) at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/s3/committees/rae/bills/Marine%20bill/MarineBillPage.htm (follow Hebridean Partnership and the new link Marine Concern).
• The Marine Bill for England and Wales is far worse, they believe that our seals already have adequate protection: the same protection that has had only one conviction in 39 years!
• Have you been watching the counter at the foot of this page; that’s fantastic! but our seals and seas need more. I am going to do a press release for “Two weeks on Hunger Strike for Seals” (Day 14), please email if you would like a copy and can pass it on to your press and media contacts: Contact details in “my complete profile”.

Condition:
As a result of my existing medical situation I am normally in a lot of pain (legs and back) that’s why I am on powerful pain killers and writing this at 2am! But I am now getting additional back muscle pains on a regular basis, almost like a “stitch”.

Sea Life talks doing well, lots of interest; displays coming very soon.

I’ve been eyeing up a banana in the kitchen, boy does it look good! (it’s still there!).

PM Update:
Found it hard this afternoon, very hungry!
Stomach pains!
Getting very tired.

Please ask your Parliamentary Members to get the facts about seals and Highly Protected Marine Areas. Find your MP/MSP/MEP at www.writetothem.com

Day 11.

2009-06-11T09:15:00.001+01:00

Facts & Update:
WOW! The Sea Life Sanctuaries have agreed to cover my “Hunger Strike” and display at:

The National Seal Sanctuary in Gweek (Cornwall);
The Sea Life Sanctuary in Hunstanton;
The Sea Life Sanctuary in Scarborough;
The Sea Life Sanctuary in Weymouth;
The Sea Life Sanctuary in Loch Lomond and
The Sea Life Sanctuary in Oban.

I will be giving a short talk (for as long as my health permits), questions, and answer session at the Oban Sanctuary straight after the seal feeing at lunch time (12 O’ clock).

There is also an A5 flyer which summarises the problems facing our seals and their environment. It includes a few simple steps of how you can help. If you would like a copy please email me from “my complete profile”.

I would particularly like to thank Alex and Mark, Clare and Gareth at the Seal Life Sanctuaries for all of their help and concern!

Condition:
I wish it was week eleven!
Very hungry yesterday in the afternoon and tired in the evening.
The effects are becoming more pronounced now.
(From above, why is everything “at lunchtime” or “feeding time”)?

Please ask your Parliamentary Members to get the facts about seals and Highly Protected Marine Areas. Find your MP/MSP/MEP at www.writetothem.com

Day Ten

2009-06-10T04:51:00.003+01:00

Facts and Comment:
• All in 2009 (I’m calling it the Year of the Seal).
• Europe votes to ban the import of all seal products into the European Union: 550 to 49 Votes in favour.
• Slaughter of the seals in Russia is stopped by Vladimir Putin: Despite a vote against in the Russian Parliament: Mr Putin overturns vote of: 273 to 1. Mr Putin states, “Bloody trade”. (I like Mr Putin!).
• Now it’s up to Scotland and England/Wales; currently we are behind, in the UK as it stands the Scottish, Welsh and English will continue to shoot seals!
• If this trait continues Britain will join Canada in the World's disdain of the “killing” of seals.

Condition:
The human body is quite remarkable: 10 days and considering fasting for 10 days I’m doing reasonably well (I did start with some “extra” weight, so I still wouldn’t recommend it).
Weight loss: 6kgs in 10 days (nearly one Stone in old money).
Tummy still gurgling!

Please ask your Parliamentary Members to get the facts about seals and Highly Protected Marine Areas. Find your MP/MSP/MEP at www.writetothem.com

Day Nine

2009-06-09T11:00:00.002+01:00

The Marine (Scotland) Bill:
• The Marine (Scotland) Bill as introduced, suggests environmental concerns will be considered alongside maximised commercial sustainability; a conflict in terms.
• The status quo indicates that commercial interests will take precedence.
• The Marine Bill provides for Marine Protected Areas; an ecosystem approach to protect Scotland’s unique heritage, it says nothing about Highly Protected Marine Areas which are needed for our sustainable future.

Condition:
Getting hard now.
Numerous severe muscle spasms.
Beginning to feel weaker.

Day Eight

2009-06-08T10:46:00.003+01:00

Facts and Comment:
• The Marine Bill process is approaching the end of its first public scrutiny, you can have your say (deadline 11-06-09) at: rae.committee@scottish.parliament.uk
• The Government say, “The Marine Bill offers substantial improvements in seal protection”.
• “Substantial improvements” over the Conservation of Seals Act 1970 is NOT DIFFICULT, there has been only one prosecution using this Act in 39 years!
• “Shooting will be licensed”, at present anyone can obtain a license from the Scottish Government website for killing birds: I have two!
• Currently the Marine Bill does not mention Highly Protected Marine Areas.
• Currently the Marine Bill does not go “far enough” to protect our dwindling seal population.

Condition:
Severe muscle spasm, down my side.
That “wanting to go” feeling; but nothing there!
Starting to have some “real” effects now.
Need braces; losing my trousers!

Day Seven

2009-06-07T07:52:00.004+01:00

Facts & Comment:
• Do you know how many seals have been shot this week?
• NO? Nor does the Scottish or British Government.
• For nearly forty years, nobody has known just how many seals have been shot!
• There is no requirement to report the shooting of seals.
• Do you think that is acceptable?
• Seals should have the same protection as dolphins and otters.

Today is the launch of Marine Concern: A confidential conduit for the communication of thoughts and abuse of OUR marine environment, to the Relevant Authorities.

A service like Marine Concern is needed because many people have ideas and even more people witness abuse, but don’t know where to voice their ideas or they don’t want to “get involved” with the authorities. Contact details for Marine Concern can be found in “my complete profile”.

Condition:
Week one done: Twelve to go!
Weight loss: 5 kgs.
Lethargic, but strong mental state.

Day Six

2009-06-06T07:24:00.005+01:00

Update:
• The book, “The End of the Line” by Charles Clover (Edbury Press) is about how overfishing is changing the World and what we eat! This is the only book that I didn’t want to put down in 50 years!
• I think that this little book is the “Silent Spring” of the 21st Century.
• And now it’s a film, with an early viewing on Monday at the Glasgow Film Theatre.
The “End of the Line”, seats can be booked at: https://tickets.glasgowfilmtickets.org.uk/public/show_events_list.asp
• Monday 8th June at 6.15pm: Miss it at your peril!
• If I am fit enough I want to see it and will be there, but Glasgow is a long way from Oban on no food.

Condition:
Don’t’ ask! More later.

PM Update:
Tried to be more active today and paid the price; the body needs energy and goodness. 92 days is going to be a l o n g time!

I have had to deal with the strongest food cravings of all today. I was offered biscuits and chocolate buttons at lunchtime, chocolate buttons... my favourite. Refused all I hasten to add!

I could murder a curry!

Day Five

2009-06-05T04:43:00.001+01:00

FACTS:
• Recent NOP reveals that 75% of people in Scotland want an end to killing seals.

• No provision in the Marine Bill for preventing “harassment” of seals even in protected areas, even while they are hauled-out, sleeping or in breeding colonies.

• Little concern for Scotland’s lucrative Tourist Industry, a mainstay in rural areas:
Dead Seals - No Seals; Not good for business; Not good for Scotland’s reputation.

STIRLING SEAL UPDATE:
Looks like kids with air rifles, taking “pot shots” at the seals. These acts are illegal even under the old Conservation of Seals Act. Stirling Council and Stirling Police action has been excellent, very swift and professional, thank you!

CONDITION:
Headache last night, I don’t get headaches!

That “empty feeling”, quite uncomfortable now.

Sleep, why can’t I sleep? (I know the plonker’s not eating).

Body functions of the solid variety just about ceased (too much information? OK, sorry).

Day Four

2009-06-04T10:20:00.007+01:00

FACTS:
• Non-lethal methods to prevent seals from damaging aquaculture interests exist: Shooting is the cheapest option and seal species “confusion” is common place.

• Scientific evidence shows that only a very small percentage of identifiable seals target fin fish farms, salmon netsmen’s nets and salmon rivers (close to 1%).

• Scottish Government Licences to kill birds are freely “downloadable” at,-
www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Environment/Wildlife-Habitats/16330/general-licences
No checks, No details required: Will this be the licence system for seals? Scotland’s seals are rare, we have a legal & moral obligation to protect them.

Condition:
First good night’s sleep, that always helps.
On a “high”, press coverage is great and growing.
A BIG thank you to the journalists who have shown genuine concern.

PM Update:
Mixed day, the kids had pizza smelt really good!

I’m exceedingly lucky to live on the shore of Loch Etive on the west coast of Scotland. I normally see seals every day as they feed just in front of the house. Today I saw a seal “flipper slapping” and flaunting a strand of seaweed. Males tend to do this at this time of year; trying to impress the girls! A great sight, I can and do watch them for ages. My kids love to watch “our” seals, my concern is that my grandchildren may not be so lucky.

Day Three

2009-06-03T10:12:00.005+01:00

Facts:
• “Seals are sentient mammals that experience pain, distress, fear and other forms of suffering”.
(European Food Safety Authority 2007)

• There is no “humane” method of shooting seals whilst they are in the water.
(International Veterinary Panel 1998).

• Shooting from an unstable platform is “inherently inhumane”.
(Report by Universities of Bristol & London and International Whaling Commission 2007).

Dead Common Seal sighted in Loch Etive.

NEWS JUST IN!
Reports of a seal in the River Forth, near Stirling. Disturbing news: It is going to be shot when nobody is around! I will keep you posted.

Condition:
Willpower: Extremely strong,
Tummy: Growling!
PM Update: Not a good day, Don't try this at home kids!

Note to supporters: Thank you so much for the sincere comments and concerns.

Day Two

2009-06-02T23:13:00.001+01:00

Two seals shot on Scottish east coast.
Got that empty feeling!
Hunger pains at lunch time.

Day One: Hunger Strike For Seals and Highly Protected Marine Areas

2009-06-02T21:45:00.005+01:00

Britain is home to important numbers of two rare seal species; the Common and Grey seals. We have 40% of the World’s Grey Seal population and 40% of the European Sub-species of Common Seals, about 90% of both of these seal species live in Scotland.

Large numbers of British seals are shot every year around our coasts some legally others illegally. What is so tragic is that non-lethal methods for deterring seals exist. The current law is ineffective and it is hoped that it will be replaced by the Marine Bill. Legislation that will actually “protect” our seals.

Some commercial industries use seals as “scapegoats” and treat seals as vermin. Two of these commercial industries are fishing and aquaculture, they may be responsible for shooting approximately 4000 seals every year. These industries are well funded, well connected; they are powerful both in rural communities and political circles.

I believe that management initiatives being administered by Councils, Government Agencies and the Scottish Government have prevented “free speech” and true stakeholder involvement. The make-up of these “management groups” are heavily in favour of commercial industries.

So much so that the new legislation as it stands will still allow for the killing, harassment, and displacement of our seals. I have been trying with several groups to overturn the status-quo for over six years; to no avail.

This year is vitally important for our seals and seas, the seas that contain the ecosystems that support seals and us. As a result of apathy and “lack of will” within Government and Relevant Agencies to engage with these problems I have gone on “hunger strike” for the duration of the Common Seal “close” season, 1st June to 31st August. The idea is to raise public and political awareness to the dreadful declines that have faced our Common Seals, 10,000 in the last two years alone, this leaves only about 20,000 in Scotland. We need informed debate in Parliament not a farcical situation fuelled by propaganda.

We need members of the public to join in; by asking for “Seal Friendly Salmon” in supermarkets; telling parliamentary members about the issues facing our seals and the need for Highly Protected Marine Areas around our coast. Two websites to start with are:
http://www.hebrideanpartnership.org/ & http://www.protectourseals.org.uk/

Please can you help and please “pass it on”! Many thanks from Mark, for our seals and seas.

(Note: Mark Carter was medically retired from the police force following an injury on duty, as a result of which he is on powerful medication. As medical requirement for administration of drugs Mr Carter will take one piece of bread or toast or cereal with his medication).