The reintroduction grey seal hunting in Sweden – A review of hunting and seal population data (2001-2024)

This study reviews the reintroduction and development of grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) hunting in Sweden from 2001 to 2024, together with regional development of the seal population. Implementation of the hunting, together with geographical and temporal trends, as well as implications for management and ecosystem dynamics have been examined. The results provide an overview and support future assessments of protective and licensed hunting as potential tools to reduce conflicts between grey seals and coastal fisheries, while considering implications for ecosystem-based management and conservation. Data were compiled from national management documents, hunter-submitted records and national environmental monitoring programmes. Spatial and temporal patterns of hunting, quota allocations, retrieval rates, and grey seal population trends were examined. Results show that hunting began as protective hunting in northern counties and progressively expanded southwards, becoming nationwide along the Baltic coast by 2014. Seasonal timing of the hunting bag shifted from spring and autumn to late summer, and quota systems evolved from county-specific limits to nation-wide licensed hunting. Despite increased quotas and relaxed restrictions since 2020, the hunting bag did not increase, and the national quota was only fully utilized in 2024 when it was significantly reduced. Retrieval rates declined from 89% (2002–2013) to 57% (2014–2024), raising concerns about hunting efficiency and animal welfare. High regional hunting pressure relative to seal abundance was noted in several counties, with unclear implications for local population trends. Scientific support of grey seal hunting as an effective management measure to reduce seal-induced damage to fishing gear and catches is weak, and evidence of positive impacts on fish stocks is absent. The findings suggest that although grey seal hunting has been widely implemented, its demographic and ecological consequences remain uncertain. Key knowledge gaps persist regarding seal population dynamics, age and sex composition of hunted individuals, and broader ecosystem effects. As grey seals have low reproductive rates and face multiple anthropogenic threats, sustainable management requires improved data collection, spatially explicit ecological modelling, and an ecosystem-based approach. Continued monitoring and research are essential to evaluate long-term impacts of hunting and inform adaptive management strategies.