Seal cognition and the prospects of mitigating human-seal conflicts with deterrent devices

The behavioural patterns and cognitive capacities of seals, along with the fast recovery of their populations in many coastal regions, have brought them into intensifying conflict with aquaculture and capture fisheries. To promote coexistence between seal populations and the fishery sector, acoustic deterrent devices (ADDs) are widely employed to prevent seals from approaching fish farms, fishing gear, coastal development sites or key areas of fish reproduction. Our literature review highlights the need for a deeper understanding of various aspects seal behaviour and cognition, such as their spatial awareness, learning capacities and problem-solving skills. Such knowledge is valuable both academically and in helping to mitigate human–seal conflicts, while minimising harm, such as hearing damage, to seals and non-target species. For instance, the current deterrent strategies often overlook behavioural and cognitive traits that may allow seals to circumvent the deterrents, thereby compromising their long-term effectiveness and causing animal welfare concerns. Our review underscores the need to understand the consequences of individual behavioural differences and environmental variability when addressing the challenges of ADDs and human–seal conflicts more generally. Such research can promote the development of more effective and ethically sound solutions to mitigate the conflict, including technical development of ADD systems that are more cost-effective, practical and align with animal welfare. • Cognitive flexibility of seals contributes to the intensifying fishery-seal conflicts. • It also reduces Acoustic Deterrent Devices’ (ADDs’) efficacy in easing the conflict. • Environmental conditions and individual differences can compromise ADDs’ utility. • ADD use should be considered against ecological, economic, social and ethical aspects. • Future research should more commonly consider seal behaviour in the context of ADDs.