A Fine Gael councillor has called for seal culling to be introduced along the west coast.
Speaking on RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta, Galway County Councillor Seosamh Ó Laoi said the increase in the seal population was responsible for a steep decline in inshore fish catches.
Mr Ó Laoi referred to past practice where fishermen carried guns in their boats, and "kept the place clean."
He said that a cull was necessary and that it had to be carried out urgently.
The Fine Gael councillor - who is involved in aquaculture - said that representatives of the fishing organisations should sit down with the relevant experts and work out a culling strategy.
