The Marine Bill is disappointing in that it merely proposes to licence the ongoing persecution and slaughter of our seal populations to protect the Scottish salmon industry. It will even licence fish farms to shoot seals for the first time and provides no protection to seals, even during the breeding seasons, when dependent pups are left to starve when their mothers are shot.

Why is it this £400 million pound industry is permitted to kill seals rather than mandated to ensure fish cages are seal-proof? If we could put a man on the moon 40 years ago, then surely we can keep seals away from fish cages without harming them or other wildlife?

The fishing industry has long persecuted seals unfairly for the 'crime' of eating fish. The mass killing of seals leaves a nasty stain on the image of Scotland and Scottish salmon products. The Marine Bill can and should be used to remove it.