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Harp Seals and the Canadian Harp Seal ‘Hunt ’: Ecological and Humane Implications

Harp Seals and the Canadian Harp Seal ‘Hunt ’: Ecological and Humane Implications. Harpseals.org All volunteer, non profit organization with one goal: To permanently end the annual Canadian harp seal slaughter. What is a Harp Seal?. Sub order: Pinnipedia 3 Families of Pinnipeds:.

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Harp Seals and the Canadian Harp Seal ‘Hunt ’: Ecological and Humane Implications

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  1. Harp Seals and the Canadian Harp Seal ‘Hunt’: Ecological and Humane Implications Harpseals.org All volunteer, non profit organization with one goal: To permanently end the annual Canadian harp seal slaughter

  2. What is a Harp Seal? Sub order: Pinnipedia 3 Families of Pinnipeds: Eared Seals (Otariidae) True Seals (Phocidae) Walruses (Odobenidae)

  3. Harp Seal Life Cycle Whitecoat Raggedy Jacket Beater Adult

  4. HARP SEAL DIET • DO SEALS EAT NORTH ATLANTIC COD? • STAPLES FOR THE SEALS: capelin, Arctic cod, polar cod and herring • SEALS ALSO EAT: halibut, shrimp, small crabs, squid

  5. 3 Harp Seal Populations White Sea West Ice Newfoundland & Labrador

  6. Migration and Whelping Areas(Northwest Atlantic Population)

  7. Canada’s Killing Fields The “Front” The “Gulf”

  8. Canada’s Harp Seal Slaughter • Largest Slaughter of Marine Mammals in the World • Current quotas as high as kill rates prior to 1971 when population nearly collapsed and quotas were first established • Over 1.3 million baby seals killed (2003-2006) • Over 325,000 killed in March-April 2006 • March-April 2007 kill quota (TAC): 270,000. • 2007 actual kill: ~ 215,000 seal pups

  9. Newfoundland and Labrador Timeline 1497- John Cabot discovers abundant fishing grounds 1800’s- English and Irish immigrants arrive 1949- Newfoundland & Labrador join Canada 1950’s- Fishing fleets modernized--draggers and trawlers 1977-80’s EEZ established. Huge Canadian & Foreign fleets 1983- Europe bans “whitecoat” products 1992- Atlantic cod fishery collapses 1995-2000 Seal hunt revived. Subsides. Killing increased Oil, fish products, newsprint, iron ore, electricity

  10. Cruel Killing Methods • 95% of the slaughtered seals are babies 3-12 weeks old. • Defenseless pups--can’t swim and little chance for escape. • Clubbed with a hakapik and left to suffer in agony until skinned or shot and dragged to skinning area with hooks. • Independent veterinary team reported up to 42% were skinned while still conscious. • Cruel and senseless slaughter for their fur.

  11. Spring 2007: Another Year of Unusual Weather March 2007 – Gulf: Poor Ice, few surviving seals April 2007 – Front: Ice closes in on sealing boats

  12. Canadian Government Position • Sustainable – 5.8 million seals. “Almost triple what it was in the 1970’s.” “Managed on socio-economic considerations until 70% population level is reached.” “Managed with a precautionary approach.” • Viable – “economically viable and not subsidized by the Fisheries and Oceans” • Humane–Royal Commission on Seals & Sealing said that the killing is comparable to hunting any other wildlife. An independent group of veterinarians reported that ~98% are killed in an “acceptably humane manner”

  13. Why Does the Killing Continue? Officially NOT to help the cod population recover or reduce a seal population that is ‘too large’ • But fishing industry promotes seal ‘hunt’ Officially a MARKET-based ‘hunt’ • Extra income for fishermen (about 5%) Newfoundland Politics – DFO minister comes from NL Tradition – Sealers’ ‘Pride’

  14. Strategy to Stop the Slaughter Canadian Seafood Boycott • Objective: Force the Canadian fishing industry to stop the killing by making them pay a severe financial penalty • The Canadian seafood industry generates $5 billion dollars annually for the Canadian economy • 65-70% of their seafood is exported to the United States • Seal pelts generate $16-20 million dollars annually • Over 2,500 businesses and 440,000 individuals have pledged to avoid some or all Canadian seafood. This includes Legal Sea Foods, Whole Foods Markets, Wild Oats Markets and many others

  15. Europe Takes Action • European Parliament Declaration--Sept 2006 • UK Pressuring European Commission for EU ban • Countries that have banned seal imports or are in the process of passing laws: Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Mexico, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Turkey

  16. Main Opposition Groups • HARPSEALS.ORG (only group focused on this) • Animal Alliance of Canada • Atlantic Canadian Anti-Sealing Coalition • Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) • International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) • Respect For Animals • Sea Shepherd Conservation Society (SSCS)

  17. How YOU Can Help • Support the Canadian Seafood Boycott • Start or join a group of activists and organize public awareness events. Spread the word • Join Harpseals.org and Sea Shepherd (501(c)(3) non-profits) • Organize fundraisers • Donate (for billboards, radio spots, TV spots, etc) • Write letters to the Canadian Government and Darden Corp. (Red Lobster Restaurants)

  18. Take Action - Join Us! harpseals.orgseashepherd.org Thank You

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