Soon sealers had to search further afield in New Zealand and other subAntarctic islands. By 1825 all significant and easily accessible seal colonies had either been severely reduced or eliminated. Although sealing has been prohibited in NZ and all Australian states for at least 50 years, the NZ fur seal is still considered rare here. In Tasmania their numbers may be as low as only several thousand and they have not repopulated traditional areas such as Bass Strait. One reason for this is they are slow reproducers.
Fishermen illegally shoot seals for interfering with fishing gear.
Several educational programs have been undertaken to try and reduce the amount of marine debris in our waters. One of our wildlife officers developed plastics free bait boxes in conjunction with local industries. Seal populations are continually monitored and information has been gathered on their diet. It is hoped this information can be used to develop methods to reduce the interaction of seals with fishermen and their gear. Ride WDL, 1970.