How do you ensure the welfare of seals when fishing?

We have a longstanding commitment to animal welfare. We source from carefully chosen suppliers who share our commitment to environmental and humane practices. All our suppliers are independently assessed by regional, national and international farm assurance schemes. Where such schemes do not exist, suppliers work in accordance with our Codes of Practice.

Our fish suppliers will be affected by animals which naturally rely on fish stock to feed. With this in mind, our suppliers use non-lethal methods of deterrence such as nets and seal scarers to protect the fish. Please be assured that lethal control will only be used as a final step, should these measures fail.

Any culling that may take place is carried out as humanely as possible. This is done in accordance with the Code of Practice on Salmon Farming and Predatory Wildlife put together by the Nature Conservancy Council (now Scottish Natural Heritage), the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and other authorities on marine welfare. As a further step to ensure culling is only used as a final resort, we only allow those who are licensed to do so. In addition to this, records are maintained.