A wildlife lover on hunger strike to draw attention to the plight of Scotland’s declining seals has lost 15lb in two weeks and is suffering “immense hunger pains”.
Mark Carter, of Eilean Duirinnis, Bonawe, Oban, is starving himself for the duration of the close season for common seals from June 1 to August 31.
Mr Carter, 50, is eating nothing but small pieces of bread that he must take with medication he takes twice daily.
He fears that common seals could become extinct in the UK in the next four years and wants to see an end to the practice of seals being shot by fish farmers and fishermen. He said no one knows why the population is declining.
Mr Carter, a member of the Seal Protection Group, is calling on the Scottish Government to ensure that its Marine Bill reflects environ-mental as well as commercial interests.
With his weight loss, he is also suffering from “intense muscle spasms” in his back. He said: “I am incredibly focused over this, our seals and the marine environment must have better protection. If the current rate of decline continues, common seals could be extinct in the UK, within five years.”
The former police officer, who was 22st 6lb when he started his strike, had to retire after he was hit by a car in 1988. He has to take painkillers and anti-swelling drugs as his lower spine and legs were damaged. The Oban Sea Life Sanctuary at Barcaldine, near Mr Carter’s home, is supporting his actions. While his health permits, he is giving a short talk at the centre after the lunchtime seal feeding session.
A Scottish Government spokesman said: “The proposals in our Marine Bill offer substantial improvements in seal protection and extend restrictions on the shooting of seals to apply throughout the year. It also removes the Netsmen’s Defence option, which allowed seals to be shot at any time regardless of close seasons and conservation orders, and will increase penalties for breaches of the law to bring these into line with other wildlife legislation.
“This effectively means that no one will be able to shoot seals without a licence, and will face much higher penalties, including possible imprisonment, if they do. Both of these changes were advocated by animal welfare supporters.”
Mr Carter’s blog can be viewed at hungerstrikeseals.blogspot.com