The Newfoundland Seal Harvest

Since 1723, Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have been going to the ice in search of seals. Five countries take part in the hunt, of which Canada is the largest participant. Seals are harvested for their pelts, meat and blubber. However, probably the most important reason for the hunt is to ensure that populations do not reach levels which will threaten the already fragile cod stocks. Several groups have successfully managed to fuel the “ant sealing campaign”. They do so by spreading outdated and ambiguous information. Today the harp seal population has reached an estimated 9.5 million animals. The department of fisheries and oceans last year therefore, set the anual quota at 270,000. Despite propaganda to the contrary, the harp seal is not now, nor has it ever been, an endangered species. Also, under the marine mamals act, the harvest and trade of white coat “baby seals” have not been allowed since 1987. Yet, some groups continue to mislead the public by propogating this story. Another unnoticed fact is that sealers today, use rifles, not clubs to harvest seals. Regardless of all the emotions, not to mention money that the anti sealing campaign manages to stir up, the fact remains, it is no more barbaric than the harvest of any other animal, be it chickens, pigs, or cows.