Hunting seals
The Swedish EPA makes decisions on controlled hunting of all seal species. For grey seals, the agency can also make decisions about licensed hunting. Bagged seals are to be reported to the Swedish EPA.
Controlled hunting
The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency can issue a permit for controlled hunting to prevent damage in fisheries. There are two different types of controlled hunting decisions.
- Decision on controlled hunting initiated by the Swedish EPA In case of decisions on controlled hunting initiated by the Swedish EPA, no further application is required. According to these decisions, controlled hunting for seals may be conducted for seals only within 200 metres of a place where fishing takes place and where seals have caused damage to fishing gear or have taken catches from the gear. However, this does not apply to fish farming, for which a separate decision is required.
The Swedish EPA’s decision on controlled hunting includes an allocation for each species in the counties in question, and the hunting has to stop when the quota is filled.
- Decision on controlled hunting based on applications from individualsThe Swedish EPA can decide on controlled hunting for seals based on applications from individuals, as in the case of controlled hunting related to fish farming. Contact the Swedish EPA’s customer service for more information.
Licensed hunting for grey seals
Unlike controlled hunting, licensed hunting does not have to take occur adjacent to a place where seals have caused damage to fishing gear or have taken catches from the gear. Licensed hunting can also be used to protect fish farms that have experienced damage.
Check the terms and conditions before the hunt
The Swedish EPA decides on all terms and conditions, such as hunting time, permitted areas, allocation, number of samples to take and more. Before hunting, the hunter is to check on how many seals are left on the county’s quota and what terms and conditions apply. Contact the Swedish EPA’s customer service for more information.
Terms and conditions for hunting seals
- Hunting seals from a boat is permitted if the boat is stationary. The motor may be running.
- Hunters from a boat need to have completed training in seal hunting arranged by a Swedish or Finnish hunting organisation. In other respects, the same terms and conditions apply as those indicated for controlled hunting in the Swedish EPA’s decision.
- Hunting seals must be conducted with a minimum of class 2 bonded ammunition.
Relevant legislation
Seal hunting is regulated by the Hunting Act (1987:259) and the Hunting Ordinance (1987:259).
Reporting bagged seals
Seals that have been shot are to be reported to the Swedish EPA, at which time the hunter’s personal information is to be provided according to the terms and conditions in the decisions. Bagged seals are to be reported to the Swedish EPA. Anyone who kills grey seals is also to report this to the County Administrative Board.
Retrieving seals that are shot
Bagged seals are to be retrieved, if possible, and in some cases samples are to be taken. For questions about taking samples, contact the Swedish Museum of Natural History.
