Animal rights activists have been responsible for much of the public
attention given to the seal hunt. According to political scientist Professor
Barry, the nature of this issue has provided these groups with a way to
challenge public policy. "Modern society's interest in protecting the
environment makes urban publics vulnerable to images that exploit their
concern. Animal welfare and environmental groups are skilled at doing this.”
Barry says that these tactics are neither illegitimate nor a necessarily a bad
thing. “They are trying to overturn existing policies and need to dramatize
issues in ways that attract popular support.”
In Canada, poor environmental conditions and a questionable market for seal products increasingly jeopardize the future of the sealing industry. Veterinarian Dr. Crook explains that this past season when there was less ice than usual, many seal pups drowned because their mothers had no solid place to give birth. On April 21st, about a month and a half into the hunt, the DFO announced that only 57, 000 seals or 20% of the TAC had been killed. The small catch was also blamed on low prices for seal pelts. In a somewhat contradictory move, the DFO actually hiked the TAC from 280, 000 to 330, 000 in mid March, despite the unfavourable ice conditions,
Another problem facing the sealing industry is its aging work force. “Most sealers are between 50 and 60 and they’re trying to get through to retirement,” says Davis, the Memorial University professor. “A lot of young people are moving away because of many things that have made it difficult to earn a living through sealing. Some don’t want to, some people can’t afford to get in. It’s become very restrictive.”
None of these problems are necessarily a serious threat to the industry, says Barry of the Seals and Sealing Network. “Poor ice years have been known to occur in the past. There was one in 1981 very similar to this year’s. In large part we have seen seals responding and finding ice to pup along their normal migration routes.” Barry also disputes the speculation that an aging work force will spell the demise of the sealing industry. He argues that a similar trend is occurring in other fishing sectors in rural Newfoundland and despite this, opportunities still exist for young people. “As long as the viability of this way of life can be determined by fair market value, without prejudice, there will be incentives for a younger generation to be involved.”
If the sealing industry stays intact, it is likely that the seal hunt will continue to gain support from Canadian politicians. According to IFAW’s Fink, politics play a major role in the continuation of the hunt because “no one wants to lose the seven seats in Newfoundland.” Lately, politicians have reason to be concerned about the reputation of the hunt beyond Canadian borders. “It’s become a matter of pride; politicians have been defending it internationally. The government’s response has been to get their backs up.”
Meanwhile, activists continue to devise imaginative strategies to pressure the government. According to spokesperson Emily Lavender, PETA is aiming an anti-sealing campaign at prospective tourists to Canada, exposing what they see as the shameful cruelty of the hunt. “PETA has just launched its new TV spot and it’s going to be aired around the world. We’re asking tourists to travel elsewhere,” she said.
Canada's "black eye"
As the 2009 EU ban on the importation of seal products suggests, the seal hunt is viewed in a negative light by certain members of the international community. In turn, this has changed some people’s feelings toward Canada, a country often praised for its humane and socially conscious society. It has, according to Professor Barry, “given us a black eye.” Canada is not alone in attracting negative press for an animal rights issue. Professor Regan, one of the foremost leaders in animal rights philosophy, points out that Japan’s reputation has also been tarnished by their “harvesting” of whales. “The plain truth is, no country is ‘pure.’ The same for people.”In Canada, poor environmental conditions and a questionable market for seal products increasingly jeopardize the future of the sealing industry. Veterinarian Dr. Crook explains that this past season when there was less ice than usual, many seal pups drowned because their mothers had no solid place to give birth. On April 21st, about a month and a half into the hunt, the DFO announced that only 57, 000 seals or 20% of the TAC had been killed. The small catch was also blamed on low prices for seal pelts. In a somewhat contradictory move, the DFO actually hiked the TAC from 280, 000 to 330, 000 in mid March, despite the unfavourable ice conditions,
Another problem facing the sealing industry is its aging work force. “Most sealers are between 50 and 60 and they’re trying to get through to retirement,” says Davis, the Memorial University professor. “A lot of young people are moving away because of many things that have made it difficult to earn a living through sealing. Some don’t want to, some people can’t afford to get in. It’s become very restrictive.”
None of these problems are necessarily a serious threat to the industry, says Barry of the Seals and Sealing Network. “Poor ice years have been known to occur in the past. There was one in 1981 very similar to this year’s. In large part we have seen seals responding and finding ice to pup along their normal migration routes.” Barry also disputes the speculation that an aging work force will spell the demise of the sealing industry. He argues that a similar trend is occurring in other fishing sectors in rural Newfoundland and despite this, opportunities still exist for young people. “As long as the viability of this way of life can be determined by fair market value, without prejudice, there will be incentives for a younger generation to be involved.”
If the sealing industry stays intact, it is likely that the seal hunt will continue to gain support from Canadian politicians. According to IFAW’s Fink, politics play a major role in the continuation of the hunt because “no one wants to lose the seven seats in Newfoundland.” Lately, politicians have reason to be concerned about the reputation of the hunt beyond Canadian borders. “It’s become a matter of pride; politicians have been defending it internationally. The government’s response has been to get their backs up.”
Sue you, EU!
In response to the EU’s restrictions, Canada has filed a complaint with the World Trade Organization on the grounds that the ban is an improper use of trade policy. In January, a number of organizations that represent Inuit in Canada and Greenland also filed a lawsuit. They claim that despite an exemption that would allow products from the Inuit’s seal hunt to be imported, there are no guarantees that their interests will be protected. In a statement released by the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, which represents Inuit in Canada, Raymond Ningeocheak, Vice-President of Finance for Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., stated, “The exemption in the Regulation is uncertain and was adopted without the participation of Inuit. Not surprisingly, the Regulation does not reflect the reality of the Inuit commercial seal harvest, which is both humane and necessary to the survival of the Inuit.”Meanwhile, activists continue to devise imaginative strategies to pressure the government. According to spokesperson Emily Lavender, PETA is aiming an anti-sealing campaign at prospective tourists to Canada, exposing what they see as the shameful cruelty of the hunt. “PETA has just launched its new TV spot and it’s going to be aired around the world. We’re asking tourists to travel elsewhere,” she said.
