The seal hunt is an important industry for thousands of Canadians throughout the North, Atlantic Canada and Quebec. Seals have been harvested for food, fuel, shelter and other materials for hundreds of years and the subsistence hunt is a valuable link to Canadian cultural heritage.
In 2007, I took part in an extensive parliamentary study on the commercial seal hunt as a member of the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans. Our report, titled “Ensuring a Sustainable and Humane Seal Harvest” can be found at the following link:
http://cmte.parl.gc.ca/Con
As you will read in this report, the current seal population is estimated at close to 6-million (2005 estimate), up from about 2-million in 1970. This population increase has created a number of concerns with regard to the impact on groundfish stocks in the Atlantic region.
I fully support all recommendations in the report, and believe it is important to strike a balance between protecting the livelihood and cultural significance of those who participate in the seal hunt while ensuring that the seal hunt is continually monitored so that it remains humane and sustainable.
I would encourage you to take a look at the information presented in our report. You may also consult the Department of Fisheries and Oceans fact sheet at:
http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/s
Should you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact my office.
Rodger Cuzner, M.P.
Cape Breton - Canso
