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This is a Terra Nova Green Party fact sheet on Newfoundland and Labrador's Seal Fishery.
The TRUTH is...

Despite the common misconception that the Atlantic Canadian seal fishery is destroying Harp and Hood seal populations, the truth is that only about approximately 57,000 seals were fished each year  between 1983 and 1994. This is an insignificant percentage of the entire Harp and Hood seal population in the North Atlantic.

How should seals be fished?

The Terra Nova Green Party would endorse the  traditional subsistence seal fishery.

The Terra Nova Greens recognize that such a fishery would manifest itself as  a  moderate commercial seal fishery.

Some argue that Harp and Hood seal populations have to be controlled to ensure the recovery of the North Atlantic Ground fishery. However,  The Terra Nova Greens  recognizes that no scientific evidence exists which demonstrates that seals have had detrimental impact on fish stocks.

Does the Green Party in Newfoundland and Labrador support the seal fishery?

Yes. The Terra Nova Green Party is a well known advocate of a moderate commercial seal fishery.

The whole animal must be utilized.

The Terra Nova Green Party wants the whole of the harvested animal "utilized". The Terra Nova Green Party supports a government subsidy for landsmen "Swilers" on the provision that the whole of the carcass is utilized. The Terra Nova Green Party advocates the support of development of pharmaceutical, nutritional and other markets for seal oil.

Are seals endangered?

This is a more complex question than it sounds because there are many different species of seals in the North Atlantic. Harbour seals are endangered. There are only about 6000 of them left in the world. However, it is illegal to fishery Harbour seals. In contrast, there are millions of Gray Harp and Hooded seals. These animals are not endangered.

Are Harp and Hood Seal populations increasing?

There is scientific evidence that Harp seal populations are increasing. In 1990, the scientists estimated that there were approximately 3 million seals. Today it is estimated that there is well in excess of 6 million Harp and Hood seals in and around the
waters of Newfoundland.

Is the fishery humane?

Yes. The Terra Nova Green Party believes that the death of any animal is a sad, gruesome and messy business, in this the Harp and Hood seal fisheries are no different. Although the seal fishery may be ugly to watch, it is not inhumane, per se.

What is the Terra Nova Green Party doing to help Landsmen "Swilers"?

The Terra Nova Green Party is trying to offer a sensible and balanced approach to informing and educating the public about the benefits of a controlled and sustainable seal fishery.

What can I do to help?

There are three ways in which you can help the Terra Nova Green Party and promote a sustainable seal harvest:

      First: Become a member and join the Terra Nova Green Party by writing Box 625 Station C St. John's Newfoundland A1C 5K8

     Second: Write to Canada's Minister of Fisheries and Oceans at : "Parliament Ottawa Canada K1A 1A4" and tell him that you support a sustainable seal fishery in Atlantic Canada.
 

     Third:  Help us by sending a tax deductible donation to the Green Party.
 
 
 

For a variety of views on the seal fishery, please check out some of the links below. Please be aware that opinions expressed at the pages below may not reflect the opinions or policies of the Terra Nova Green Party.

See International Fund For Aminal Welfare for more information on the Seal Fishery debate.

See Sea Shepherd Society homepage for more information on the Seal Fishery debate.

See High North Alliance for more information on the Seal Fishery debate.

See Canadian Sealers Association homepage for more information on the Seal Fishery debate.

See Seal Facts for a  brief fact sheet on the North Atlantic Seal Fishery.

See A Swiler's History for a brief history of the Newfoundland Seal Fishery.

Press Here for more Terra Nova Green Party Policy.

Press Here to go to "Sustainability - A Choice to Consider".