The status of common seals in Shetland

A search was made for Common Seals (Phoca vitulina) around Shetland in September 1971. The coast was arbitrarily divided into eight areas and the count of Common Seals in each was adjusted to give an estimated total. 1,219 Common Seals were counted and a grand total of 1,800 estimated for the whole of Shetland. The question of whether or not the Shetland Common Seal stock is declining is discussed. It is concluded, on the basis of quantitative evidence and from discussions with local boatmen and seal hunters, that the stock is declining, although the rate of decline is unknown.