Grey seal. File Photo – Lehtikuva.
The hunting quota for the Baltic ringed seals for the upcoming hunting season has been set at 100 individual seals, according to a Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry proposal.
The ringed seals, according to the Ministry's proposal can be hunted through a permit only in the Bothnian Bay-Kvarken population management areas.
Last year the hunting quota was set at 30 seals, and hunting of was allowed through an exceptional permit.
According to the Ministry, the hunting will prevent damages incurred in commercial fishing.
The Ministry has compensated commercial fishermen and aqua-farmers a total of 1.63 million euros since 2014.
According to the Ministry, ringed seal population in the Bothnian Bay has grown steadily since 1988.
The population of ringed seal in Bothnian Bay back in April was estimated at 17,400 seals, according to the Natural Resources Institute Finland-Luke.
The total allowable catch of Grey seal is set to remain at 1,050 individuals, the same quota as last hunting season.
