Seal-induced losses and successful mitigation using Acoustic Harassment Devices in Estonian Baltic trap-net fisheries
Markus Vetemaa, Ulvi Päädam, Arne Fjälling, Mehis Rohtla, Roland Svirgsden, Imre Taal, Aare Verliin, R Eschbaum, Lauri Saks
Abstract
During the last decades the number of grey seals Halichoerus grypus has increased more than tenfold in the Baltic Sea, having reached 38 000 in 2019, which has created increasing problems to the coastal fisheries. In the current study, 151 Estonian coastal fishermen were interviewed to sum all direct and indirect monetary losses. The total cost of the damage caused by seals to the Estonian fisheries was around 0.9 million euros in 2009. With the aim of mitigating seal impact, Acoustic Harassment Devices (AHDs, Lofitech) were tested. This study presents quantitative data on seal damage in Estonian trap-net fisheries and analyses the results of the attempts made to mitigate the damage by means of AHDs. It can be concluded that AHDs provided sufficient protection against the seal attacks.