Connections and Conflicts With Seals in a Scottish Archipelago

Orkney, a Scottish archipelago north of the mainland, is home to a deep cultural connection with seals, blending myth and daily life. Locals often encounter seals resting on rocks or swimming near shores, creating an atmosphere that feels both ordinary and magical. This relationship is reflected in local shops, which sell trinkets, storybooks, and postcards featuring selkies, mythical creatures that transform between human and seal forms. The author, an environmental anthropologist, traveled to Orkney in 2023 to study how these myths and real-life interactions influence conservation efforts. The bond between islanders and seals is complex, involving emotions, livelihoods, and ethical dilemmas about their protection.

During fieldwork, the anthropologist discovered personal stories of deep connections between humans and seals in Orkney. One islander, who swam regularly during COVID-19 lockdowns, reported seals brushing against her skin, leading her to identify as part-selkie. She now volunteers with the local marine rescue team, caring for injured seals and untangling them from nets. Another resident freed a pup caught in fishing debris, and the seal later returned to swim alongside her and her dog. Older islanders described seals as companions, saying they 'look at you like they understand' and ease loneliness. These anecdotes highlight how seals are seen as kin rather than just wildlife.

Archaeological evidence from Orkney’s ancient sites reveals seals have been part of human life for thousands of years. At the Knap of Howar, a 5,000-year-old Neolithic site, seal remains are rare, suggesting occasional hunting for meat or hides. By the Bronze and Iron Ages (around 2,000 years ago), seal bones became more common, including at The Cairns site, where researchers found remains from adults, juveniles, and pups, particularly from fatty cuts like shoulders. A polished seal tooth, likely used as jewelry, indicates seals held cultural value beyond food. By the Pictish and Norse periods (1,700 to 800 years ago), seal use became more organized, with bones showing signs of butchery and processing for meat, blubber, and hide.

Selkie myths, first appearing in medieval texts, depict seals as shapeshifters who shed their skins to become human. These tales vary by region but often center on female autonomy, with female selkies choosing partners and resisting human constraints. Some stories suggest selkie myths may reflect historical encounters between Orcadian men and Indigenous Arctic women, who wore sealskin clothing and used seal bone tools. Storyteller Tom Muir noted that selkie tales adapt over time, reflecting community identity and evolving meanings. These myths shape how seals are perceived today, as both benign companions and symbols of feminine power.

Today, seals in Orkney face conflicts between conservation efforts and economic interests. Fishers blame seals for damaging nets and eating fish, while salmon farms sometimes kill seals under licensed 'lethal control.' In October 2022, a seal was fatally shot after entering a fish farm, sparking outrage among conservationists. Fishers view seals as competitors, with one stating, 'We don’t want the seal, they’re just creating ruckus.' The salmon farming industry, which grew in the 1960s and 1970s, has intensified tensions. Meanwhile, grassroots efforts like the Orkney Seal Rescue, founded in 1988, advocate for stricter protection laws and better citizen science to balance these conflicts.