Grandpa, the story about the blackmouth at Pt no Pt is all too true for most of us that fish there. It wasn't like this years ago and I too think the protection of the seals is probably to blame. Whatever is to blame something needs to be done. They don't hunt for themselves anymore they let us do it for them.
It's time that something be done to thin their numbers as there is no predator out there doing it anymore.