Animal rights activists operating in the north-east have released shocking images of marksmen shooting dead a seal.

The Sea Shepherd seal defence team claim to have caught employees from the Scottish Wild Salmon Company (USAN) killing the marine animal at Crovie on the Banffshire coast.

The firm is licenced to shoot animals harassing their nets.

Today the conservation group’s operations boss Robert Read – who is co-ordinating almost 70 international volunteers at sites across Scotland – said: “The following is a video release from Sea Shepherd UK to raise public awareness of the hidden cost of Scottish Salmon – hundreds of Scotland’s seals shot dead under permits issued by Marine Scotland.

“Seal Permits are issued to wild salmon netting companies and fish farms around Scotland.”

Mr Read claims that since Sea Shepherd UK launched their seal defence campaign in April, there have been just two instances of seal shooting in Gamrie Bay.

He added: “This is the only incident where we can confirm seals were definitely shot dead at Crovie despite the best efforts of Sea Shepherd crew being present.”

A senior USAN director declined to comment this morning.

The company has previously stated it has improved its nets and is liaising with the Sea Mammal Research Unit at the University of St Andrews.

Sea Shepherd is offering a £7,500 bounty for any evidence which leads to the prosecution of an individual or company for killing seals illegally around the UK coast.