Part 6Conservation of seals
Seal conservation areas
I1118Seal conservation areas
1
The Scottish Ministers may designate an area as a “seal conservation area” where they consider it necessary to do so in order to ensure the proper conservation of seals.
2
The Scottish Ministers must consult the Natural Environment Research Council before designating a seal conservation area.
3
The Scottish Ministers must—
a
publish a designation in a manner which they consider most likely to bring the proposal to the attention of persons likely to be affected by it,
b
make a copy of a designation available for inspection at one of their offices at all reasonable hours, and
c
provide a copy of a designation to any person who requests one.
4
The Scottish Ministers may charge a fee, not exceeding their expenses, for providing a copy under subsection (3)(c).
I2119Effect of seal conservation area status: licensing decisions
The Scottish Ministers must not grant a seal licence authorising the killing or taking of seals in a seal conservation area unless they are satisfied—
a
that there is no satisfactory alternative way of achieving the purpose for which the licence is granted, and
b
that the killing or taking authorised by the licence will not be detrimental to the maintenance of the population of any species of seal at a favourable conservation status in their natural range (within the meaning of Article 1(e) of the Habitats Directive).