Too Many Seals

[Rappin Mikey]

I agree with Blitzeeker. I also think that 6,000 is a very modest estimate and the numbers are probably closer to double that. People need to experience what is going on first hand before they pass judgement on others. A controlled hunting season is definitely what is required. In the past five years I have seen a direct correlation between the growing number of seals and the depleting number of species of fish. Not that I like them, but I haven't caught a skate or a sculpin in about three years. An occasional fluke or flounder use to be able to be picked off from the shore a few years back. Not any more. Raking for sandeels is almost a lost cause now, or at least a half day event. My father told me the numbers a few years back. Don't quote me but I'm sure if someone starts to dig they can find the accurate info. I think he said that a full grown seal eats roughly 100+pounds of fish a day. Multiply that by 10,000. Now multiply that by the number of days that fish are in our area, lets say 180. That is about 180million pounds of fish. There is a huge economic inpact on the Cape. Many people I know will not fish there because of the plovers and the seals. Buisnesses are starting to go under.