May 24, 2005 OTTAWA -- Fisheries and Oceans Canada announced today that, based on recent scientific information, the Northwest Atlantic harp seal population is estimated at approximately 5.9 million animals. "These figures clearly indicate that the harp seal population remains stable and healthy, and that the hunt is managed in a way that ensures the conservation of the herd as well as the sustainability of a continued hunt," Fisheries and Oceans Minister Geoff Regan said. The National Marine Mammal Peer Review Committee, a group of marine mammal experts, met in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, May 2-6, to discuss and conduct a scientific peer-review of the population estimate. When using the 2004 pup estimate in a mathematical model, the total population size for 2004 is estimated at 5.9 million animals (within a range of 4.5 million and 7.2 million animals). For comparison, the same model estimates that the seal population was around 5.5 million in 2000. A new aerial survey was conducted in 2004 under the Atlantic Seal Research Program to estimate pup production and derive a population estimate for the harp seal herd. The number of seal pups estimated to be born in 2004 is very similar to the number obtained in 1999. This information will serve to provide scientific advice to the department in the preparation of a new Atlantic Seal Hunt management plan. A Seal Forum is being planned for this fall, where DFO, Non-Governmental Organizations, sealers, industry stakeholders, animal rights organizations and other interest groups will have the opportunity to discuss plans for the next multi-year management plan. -30- For more information: Phil Jenkins Media Relations Fisheries and Oceans Canada Ottawa (613) 990-7537 Sujata Raisinghani Press Secretary Office of the Minister Fisheries and Oceans Canada Ottawa (613) 992-3474
