NEW MEASURES to protect common seals around Scotland come into force today.

The Conservation of Seals (Scotland) Order extends the current close season to the whole year in Shetland, Orkney and an area of the east coast between Stonehaven and Dunbar.

There has been a fall of around 40% in common seal numbers in these areas.

Under the order the shooting of common seals will only be possible with a licence from the Scottish Executive or under the terms of the “netsmen’s defence”—to protect fishing nets or catches.

It is unlikely that any single factor is responsible for the reduction in numbers.

There is no evidence it is a direct result of the phocine distemper virus outbreak amongst seals in 2002, since no large numbers of car-casses were reported at that time.

It is unlikely to be a direct result of shooting alone for similar reasons.

The Executive, Scottish Natural Heritage and Sea Mammal Research Unit will monitor the effectiveness of the new order and consider research into the possible causes of the decline in common seal numbers.