Critics of seal scarers – devices branded as “sonic torture” – claim they cause hearing damage and stress in dolphins, porpoises and whales and therefore breach legislation to protect cetaceans.

The farmed salmon industry says seals are a major problem and it is “critical” that farmers have deterrents to protect their livestock. According to the Scottish Salmon Producers Organisation (SSPO), net breaches in 2019 led to 500,000 lost fish.