Seal releases halted after fish stock concerns

The release of rescue seals in the River Nene has been 'paused'

The RSPCA has paused releasing rescued seals into a Lincolnshire river after concern they have been damaging fish stocks.

The Angling Trust said seals had become “apex overwhelming predators” of freshwater fish in the River Nene.

The RSPCA has suspended releasing seals into the river at Sutton Bridge.

The charity said it would gather data and evidence and "consult with partners".

Rob Harris, chairman of Peterborough & District Angling Association, said anglers had gradually noticed fewer fish in the river.

“We then found fish carcases and fish which were half alive,” he said.

“Then we saw the seals hunting them."

The RSPCA said it always took "great care" when releasing seals

According to Mr Harris, a recent survey analysing the fish population in the River Nene highlighted there were “zero adult fish” in the water.

He said the decline in numbers followed seals becoming "apex overwhelming predators" in the river.

Mr Harris said some fish had become “stressed” after being hunted by the seals, as they were found “hiding in backwaters”.

An RSPCA spokesperson said: “We always take great care when we release seals in order to give them the best chance at surviving in the wild.

"However given the concerns, we have paused releases in this location while we gather further data and evidence and consult with partners”.

Follow BBC Lincolnshire on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [e-mail]