The Ythan Bailiff had a licence for 2007 and 2008 to shoot seals, but this was strictly limited to upriver of the Logiebuchan Bridge at the top of the Machar Pool.
Grampian Police have now decreed that they will not permit the use of a rifle within the estuary, due to reasons of public safety.
The seals at Newburgh have nothing to fear at present or for the forseeable future.
How many salmon, sea trout and smolts they eat is not known, but no doubt, being opportunistic predators, they will take a proportion.