Northern Ireland's Environment Agency has expressed concern over the number of seals, which have died from unnatural causes along the coast of Co Down.
16 dead seals, mainly grey seal pups and juveniles, were recovered from Strangford Lough, Minerstown and Dundrum Bay between June and November last year.
12 of the seals showed signs of unnatural death.
Several had been decapitated, while others appeared to have injuries consistent with gunshot wounds or blows from a sharp object.
