KHO:2003:84 Country/Territory Finland Type of court National - higher court Date Dec 1, 2003 Source UNEP, InforMEA Court name Korkein hallinto-oikeus Seat of court Helsinki Reference number KHO:2003:84 Language Finnish Subject Fisheries, Wild species & ecosystems, Sea Keyword Management/conservation Abstract A national park containing grey seal, various fish species as well as other species had seen a large increase in the number of grey seals. As a result, they wanted a permit from the relevant authorities to decimate the number of grey seals as not to impair the fisheries in the region. They claimed that the grey seal was a threat to some fish species. The purpose of the national park was to protect the outer archipelago and the marine environment. The aim was furthermore to encourage environmental research and an interest for the nature. Though the act establishing the national park contained a prohibition against killing, capturing or in other ways harming wild vertebrates, there was an exception for when a species had increase to a level that it was harmful. If it was not contrary to the purpose of the national park, authorisation could be given to decimate the number of the species. The Supreme Administrative Court came to the conclusion that the increase of the grey seal only harmed the fishing in the region, and that this interest was not protected by the purpose of the national park. Thus no permit could be given. Full text KHO-2003-84.pdf