We could have shot at least 100 more seals without any impact on the herds Seal shooter Tom Lineham

Sealing can be a lucrative business for the fishermen who can expect to make up to �12 per pelt. They are mainly traded in Scandinavia where they are made into handbags and coats. The carcasses are used for dog food or maggot-breeding.

The Universities Federation for Animal Welfare is concerned about illicit trading of live baby seals worth between �40 and �100 each.

The Federation's director, Major Walter Scott, said: "I have absolutely no doubt that there is traffic in seals. I am perturbed because there are more than 100 zoos in the United Kingdom and if each bought four or five seals it could have a serious effect on the number in the Wash."

He has also asked the government to ban hunting in areas easily accessible to the public.

The Wash is home to 5,000 common seals in 30 colonies and about 1,400 pups are born each year.

The National Trust is concerned about grey seals over-populating the Farne Islands off Northumberland and will announce in August whether culling should be enforced there.

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