Canada Committed to a Humane Seal Hunt
December 20, 2007
OTTAWA – The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has released a scientific study on the animal welfare aspects of global seal hunts. We are supportive of EFSA’s recommendations since they uphold the legitimacy and humaneness of hunting practices and techniques that are used, regulated and enforced in Canada’s annual commercial seal hunt.Independent and peer-reviewed studies have shown – time and again – that the vast majority of seals in Canada are taken in a humane manner. We believe that Canada’s current practices are consistent with EFSA’s general recommendations and we are already taking measures to address some of the issues raised in the study.
The Government of Canada is committed to sustainable management of these renewable resources and to ensuring a well managed and well regulated hunt. With more than 5.5-million harp seals along our eastern and northern coastlines, clearly Canada sets appropriate annual quotas to keep seal populations healthy.
It’s important to remember that sealing and fishing are complementary and deeply engrained traditions that have allowed Aboriginal, Inuit and non-aboriginal peoples to provide for their families for generations. Through hard work, knowledge of the marine environment and sustainable practices, Canada’s hunt provides valuable income and creates opportunities for thousands of Canadian sealers and their families.
Canada’s approach to seal hunts is based on facts, internationally recognized science and respect for centuries-old cultural traditions, instead of moral objections and the frequent misinformation of anti-sealing groups, which EFSA admits “may contain potentially unproven serious biases.” The Government of Canada will continue to inform this discussion with integrity and to defend the rights of Canadian sealers to take part in our lawful, sustainable and humane hunt.
Loyola Hearn
Minister of Fisheries and Oceans
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For more Information:
Phil Jenkins
Media Relations
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Ottawa
613-990-7537
Steve Outhouse
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Ottawa, 613-992-3474
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