In the area I fish we are more plagued with the harbour seal than with the grey. There are a few greys. But the problem with the harbour seal is the stealing of the bait out of the traps. It pokes its head in through the hoop and rips the bait off. And of course, a lobster trap with no bait doesn't catch any lobsters.
In my overview of the fishery over the years, I would say the seals have increased greatly in our area.