Points of Conflict Between Seals and Humans Fishers claim that increasing seal populations are partially responsible for low fishing stocks. However, seals do eat both commercial and non-commercial fish. There is not yet sufficient data to determine what effect increased seal populations are having on the catches of commercial fisheries in the Gulf of Maine. Maine salmon growers produce 7,000 tons of salmon annually, second only to Maine's annual harvest of wild lobster. Studies have shown that regular net maintenance and other good farming practices do reduce predator loss.
Fishers claim that seals steal fish from nets, destroy fishing gear and take bait from lobster pots.
Gray seals and, to a lesser extent, harbor seals, are known to bite fish out of gill nets. There is no scientific evidence to support claims that seals eat lobster. An estimated 1,000 seals are incidentally killed or injured each year when they become entangled in fishing nets. The effect on the overall seal population is considered insignificant. Small numbers of seals are shot, hit by four wheel vehicles, or injured by dogs each year.