A Tory MP has called for action to protect fishing communities from the impact of growing seal colonies.

Sally-Ann Hart said “sound systems to deter seals are not appropriate” and that fishermen off the coast of her constituency Hastings and Rye were “suffering”.

Environment minister Mark Spencer said the Government was working alongside the Marine Management Organisation to assess “non-lethal deterrent options” to keep seals away from fishing catches.

The exchange took place during environment questions in the Commons.

Ms Hart said: “Off the coast of beautiful Hastings and Rye, fishermen are suffering from the impact of a growing seal colony affecting their fishing.

“Due to the nature of the fishing, small boats leave their nets in the water, sound systems to deter seals are not appropriate. What steps is the minister taking to ensure that seals do not result in our fishing communities being decimated, let alone the fish?”

Mr Spencer replied: “We are working alongside the Marine Management Organisation to assess non-lethal seal deterrent options to keep seals away from fishing catches and we’ll publish an evidence report on targeted acoustic startle technology later this year.

“We are also considering the next steps, including for net fisheries under our clean catch programme.”