Canadian High Commission Responds To Seal Hunt Story

Bandar Seri Begawan - In response to the Weekend Bulletin story "Canada clubbed over seal hunt" published April 8, 2006, the acting High Commissioner of the Canadian High Commission in Brunei, Mr Leopold Battel, has issued the following statement yesterday.

The Saturday April 8 edition of Borneo Bulletin reproduced on page 44 sensational images and an article from Canadian Press on the seal hunt (Canada clubbed over seal hunt). It is unfortunate that old myths are perpetuated in a melodramatic argument that shows a deep misunderstanding of sealing and its importance to many coastal communities in Atlantic Canada, Quebec, Nunavut and the Northwest Territories.

Many press reports concentrate on the public relations campaign of opponents to the seal hunt, especially if these come to the world of show business; these reports tell a selective, biased and often false story about the seal hunt. Based on misleading rhetoric, they fail to present objective facts, notably concerning the people who rely on it for a living, who are undeservedly cast in a negative light by a few organisations putting their own agendas ahead of the truth. Most media reports put forward that the hunt is unsustainable and that it is conducted in an inhumane manner.

For these reasons, I encourage readers of Borneo Bulletin to form their opinions based on the facts.

Humane hunt

The seals hunted are self-reliant, independent animals. Hunting for harp and hooded seal pups is strictly prohibited, as is the trade, sale or barter of the fur of these pups.

To prevent inhumane treatment, seals are killed quickly and according to strict regulations. Canada's seal hunting methods have been studied and approved by the Royal Commission on Seals and Sealing, which found that the methods used compared favourably to those used to hunt any other wild animals, and those used to slaughter domestic animals - like cattle and poultry - for human consumption.

A Special Report-on Animal Welfare and the Harp Seal Hunt in Atlantic Canada, which was published in The Canadian Veterinary Journal (Vol 43, No 9, September 2002), reported on the findings of veterinary professionals. Their report concluded that virtually all harp seals - fully 98 per cent - are killed in humane manner.

Economy and Industry

The seal hunt is an economically viable activity and it is not subsidised by the Government of Canada. Seals are a valuable natural resource that provides income to between 5,000 and 6,000 individuals and their families in remote towns and villages at a time of year when few other economic opportunities exist.

Seals have been harvested for food, fuel shelter and other products for hundreds of years. They are also an important source of food - and a focus of social and cultural life - for Aboriginal communities throughout Atlantic Canada, Quebec, Nunavut and the Northwest Territories: Seal products generated by this industry, such as pelts and oil, are valuable commodities sought after by consumers in Canada, Europe and Asia.

Enforcement

Fishery Officers closely monitor the hunt to ensure sealers comply with Canada's Marine Mammal Regulations. They monitor catches, ensure humane harvesting practices and enforce regulations and licence conditions.

Infractions are taken seriously and those who violate the Marine Mammal Regulations are prosecuted.

Canada's enforcement of sealing regulations is thorough and comprehensive. Regulations and licensing policies stipulate hunting seasons, quotas, vessel size, methods of dispatch, as well as instructions and training of seal hunters.

Sustainability/Conservation

The Canadian seal hunt is a sustainable and economically viable activity based on sound conservation principles. Canada's seal population is healthy and abundant. Current estimates put the harp seal herd - the most important herd for the industry - in excess of five million animals, nearly triple what it was in the 1970s.

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans has strict conservation methods in place, and is committed to the careful management of all seals to ensure strong, healthy populations in the years to come.

We conduct comprehensive scientific research to build on our understanding of seals and how they interact with the marine ecosystem. This kind of research not only promotes a better understanding of seals and their marine environment, but will help ensure balance on Canada's ongoing resource management following an ecosystem-based approach.

For further information, readers may wish to review the seal section of DFO's website, www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca. I urge you to consider these facts carefully before forming your opinion on Canada's seal hunt.

 -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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