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  News.com.au 1 Sep 06
Seals killed 'to protect fishing'
Townsville Bulleti

The Border Mail 2 Sep 06
Slaughter of seals ‘appalling’

VICTORIA’S commercial fishing industry has tried to distance itself from the “abhorrent slaughter” of more than 40 protected fur seals in a Victorian national park.

The sector came under fire from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals which claimed Wednesday’s shooting of the seals near Wilsons Promontory in the southeast of Victoria was aimed at reducing their impact on fisheries.

RSPCA president Hugh Wirth said the industry had courted the idea of legal culls for some years.

“The fishing industry is very resistant to considering anything to do with animal welfare whatsoever,” Dr Wirth said. “They fought tooth and nail when certain fish were included in the Prevention to Cruelty Act in Victoria.”

But executive director of the Seafood Industry of Victoria Ross McGowan said he was appalled by the slaughter, which he described as “unfathomable” and “abhorrent”.

“Everyone in the commercial fishing industry who I’ve spoken to is absolutely flabbergasted by this senseless attack,” Mr McGowan said. “This is not something we condone in any shape or form — seals are part of day to day fishing activities and our guys recognise that these animals are part of their operating environment.

“It’s true that seals are our competitors, but whether it’s the trawl, rock lobster or bay and inlet industries, we have codes of conduct which are rigidly adhered to.”

The seals, which are the world’s fourth rarest seal species, were shot on Kanowna Island. Two men were later arrested and questioned by police before being released without charge.

Victorian Premier Steve Bracks defended the fishing industry and promised those behind the attack would face the full extent of the law. “I would think the majority of the commercial fishers and the wider fishing industry would condemn this. “There is no case for taking the law into your hands.”

News.com.au 1 Sep 06
Seals killed 'to protect fishing'
Townsville Bulletin

RSPCA president Hugh Wirth has blamed the fishing industry for the slaughter of more than 40 rare fur seals on an island in a Victorian national park.

The animals, which are the world's fourth rarest seal species, were shot on Wednesday on Kanowna Island, off Wilsons Promontory, in the state's southeast.

Police arrested two men from a fishing boat docked at nearby San Remo yesterday. A search of the boat allegedly uncovered two high-powered rifles. The men were released without charge pending further inquiries by police and the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE).

Dr Wirth said he had no doubt the fishing industry was involved in the killings, aimed at reducing the seals' impact on lucrative fisheries.

"No doubt whatsoever. They have been talking about this (legal culls) for some years now, and it's interesting to look at the political scene, where only the Government of Victoria has condemned what has happened on Wednesday afternoon," Dr Wirth told Channel Nine's Today program.

"It's very significant that the industry, the fishing industry, has not condemned what has occurred. "There's so much cruelty, and of course I'm not at all surprised that it's occurred.

"There's an underlying belief by a lot of Australians that when wildlife activities, their normal activities, clash with human activities, that it's perfectly permissible to go out, take the law into one's own hands and slaughter the wildlife." Student witnesses

The Herald Sun reported today that university students on the Kanowna Island ducked in fear as fishermen opened fire on the seals.

Sen-Det Mick Harvey, of Wonthaggi CIU, said the three Deakin University students were shocked when shooting started on the rugged outcrop.

"It's not clear exactly how close the shots were; however, they were very concerned for their safety and did take cover," Sen-Det Harvey said. "They (the seal killers) were very serious about what they were doing but what motivated them is anybody's guess."

Marine biologist Roger Kirkwood said the students were retrieving a satellite receiver when the boat approached. "I think they were too scared to move," Mr Kirkwood said. "I imagine it was very frightening hiding behind rocks while the shooting was going on."

Seal carcasses were strewn across the rugged coastline when the Herald Sun flew over the island late yesterday.

Police said the students decided to stay on the island to continue their research.

It is believed more than 100 rounds were fired from the Tahoma late Wednesday as it came within metres of the island. There is a 50m exclusion zone for boats around the seal sanctuary.

Wildlife officer Charlie Franken said the students could read the registration details of the boat. "They came very close," Mr Franken said. "If you are close enough to read those without binoculars, then you are pretty close."

Mr Franken, who works for the Department of Sustainability and Environment, described the massacre as outrageous and disgusting. "I feel outraged, p----- off, angry, bewildered . . . every word under the sun," he said. "I believe it was an act targeting seals where they believe it's affecting their livelihoods. It's not just simply someone who had a bit of fun. "This is a cold-hearted and calculated extermination. That would be my opinion."

Mr Franken said the courts should throw the book at those responsible for the massacre. "They deserve everything they get," he said.

Environment Minister John Thwaites described the killings as an unimaginable act. Mr Thwaites said the shooters could face fines of more than $100,000 and up to 12 months' jail. "And I understand the penalty can depend on how many of the protected species are killed or injured," he said. "There are severe penalties that do apply to killing protected species, important species, and it is a matter for the courts to determine what is appropriate in a particular case. "I just can't believe anyone could commit an act like this."

Mr Thwaites said the fur seal was a very important part of the Victorian environment. "They are rare animals. They are one of the most important species we have," he said. "I can't imagine how anyone calling themselves human would do this sort of thing.

"On what I have seen to date, I rate this as extremely disturbing and quite unimaginable anyone would take such action and kill what are a beautiful and endangered species."

The Australian fur seal is declared notable wildlife in Victoria, giving it a special category as unique - above protected but below endangered. Kanowna Island is one of four breeding colonies for the seals in Victoria.
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