Letter: The easiest way to protect seals

IN YOUR article on the mystery deaths of over 30 seals (News, 15 August) Scottish Secretary for Rural Affairs, Richard Lochhead was quoted as saying; "Seals form an important part of Scotland's rich marine environment and it is critical that we establish the cause of these strange seal deaths and do all we can to protect our seal populations."

That is brilliant news as from next January, when the Marine Act comes into force, Mr Lochhead can protect not a few dozen seals but several thousand a year. All he has to do is refuse to issue any licences allowing fishery interests to kill seals. Mr Lochhead has it in his power to stop salmon farmers and salmon netsmen routinely killing seals

Until that happens the best way to protect seals is by boycotting Scottish salmon, including RSPCA endorsed brands.

John F Robins, Save Our Seals Fund