Citation: Nairn, R.G.W. 1979 The status and conservation of the common seal Phoca vitulina (L.) in Northern Ireland. Irish Naturalists' Journal 19: 360-363
Number of Pages: 4
Volume Part: 10
Keywords: Biogeography, Fauna, Littoral, Mammal, Marine, Marine Inlet, Northern Ireland, Open Coast, Seal, Sublittoral, Survey
Abstract: This paper looks at the status and future conservation of the common seal, Phoca vitulina, in Northern Ireland. Knowledge of this species in N.I. was largely based on one survey carried out 1956-58. Thus in 1977-78 a survey was carried out along the whole coast of Co. Down, within Strangford Lough and in Lough Foyle. Counts were made during the pupping season when a high proportion of the population haul-out of the water at low tide in suitable intertidal areas. The results are looked at with future conservation in mind, since as of 1979 no such legislation for the protection of seals has been in place.