Summary and Background Part 1: Marine Management Organisation Nature conservation Section 9: Licences to kill or take seals
61.The Conservation of Seals Act 1970 provides for the protection and conservation of seals in Great Britain and the adjacent territorial waters. This Act makes it an offence to kill or take seals during the close season or in an area specified in a conservation order without a licence granted by the Secretary of State. The function of granting licences in England is currently exercised by Natural England.
62.This section transfers to the MMO the functions of the Secretary of State in granting licences in England and the English inshore region. (In a small number of cases each year it is necessary to issue licences to kill or take seals in freshwaters; the MMO will transfer this function to Natural England using the agreements under section 15).