Ottawa, March 9th, 2010 – On the eve of the 2010 East Coast seal hunt,
the Fur Institute of Canada today reiterated its support for sustainable
seal hunting in Canada. The Institute, which represents seal hunters,
aboriginals and marine mammal scientists through its Seals and Sealing
Network, said it will continue to oppose efforts to ban the hunting of
seals.
“Seal hunting in Canada continues to be environmentally sustainable and
is conducted in accordance with best practices, so we see definite
benefits in supporting it”, said Rob Cahill, Executive Director of the
FIC.
According to the Seals and Sealing Network (SSN), campaigns to end the
hunting of harp seals in Atlantic Canada rely on falsely painting the
centuries-old activity. The continued use of white coat images is just
one example of how campaigners unfairly play on people’s emotions, the
Network says. In addition to developing best management practices, FIC
is also committed to improving public understanding of the hunt and its
importance to Canadian communities.
Quick Facts on Sealing in Canada
· The Northwest Atlantic Harp Seal population is abundant and
well conserved, numbering 6.8 million – the highest level ever
scientifically estimated. The World Conservation Union (IUCN) lists it
as a species of “least concern”.
· Employed properly, the hunting methods of Canadian
professional sealers are effective and in accordance with established
practices of animal welfare, as recommended by the Independent
Veterinarians’ Working Group (IVWG 2005).
· Between 2006-2008, sealing activity yielded $53 million (CAD)
in direct “landed value” to sealers based in the provinces of Quebec
(QC) and Newfoundland and Labrador (NL). The total value during this
period to the economies of QC and NL in product production and trade was
over $120 million.
· Seal hides, or “pelts” are handled locally in Canada, where
they are tanned into high-quality materials.
· Seal meat and seal oil (rendered from fat), provide
locally-sourced protein and a superior source Omega-3 essential fatty
acid (EFA) source for human consumption.
· Research and initial trials suggest harp seal heart valves are
far superior to those traditionally used in human heart valve
replacement procedures.
For more information visit
www.sealsandsealing.net