This project (1995-96) examined the use of river estuaries in Aberdeen by seals and other marine piscivores, e.g. sawbills, dolphins. The aims were to record the number and behaviour of seals, in relation to factors such as the tidal cycle, time of day, season, disturbance, weather and food availability, and to study the feeding behaviour of seals. Both common seals Phoca vitulina and grey seals Halichoerus grypus use the estuaries. Common seals regularly use a haulout site on Don Island.

A Final Report was submitted to SOAEFD and results were published as follows:

Pierce, G.J., Hislop, J.R.G. & Carter, T.J., 1997. Interactions between seals and salmon in Northeast Scotland. The Salmon Net 28, 49-55.

Carter, T.J., Pierce, G.J., Houseman, J.A., Boyle, P.R. & Hislop, J.R.G., 2001. Predation by seals on salmonids in two Scottish estuaries. Fisheries Management and Ecology 8, 207-225.

Contact Graham Pierce or Peter Boyle.