Michael Ring
Ceist:167 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he will report on the finding of the field survey (details supplied) carried out on the seal population in the north west Mayo area. [23612/00]
Written Answers. - Seal Population.
Two studies have been undertaken in this matter in recent years. The first study, undertaken by BIM over the period 1994-96, was published in 1997 and I am arranging to transmit a copy of the report to the Deputy.
A further study has been undertaken by the Department of Environmental Resource Management in University College Dublin, on behalf of BIM, in the period 1997-99. This EU funded study examined the seal population by reference to, inter alia, diet, parasites, population and interaction with fisheries. The results of the study are currently being finalised and will be submitted to the European Commission before the end of this year. I anticipate that the results of this latest study will be published shortly thereafter.