Canada Committed to a Humane Seal Hunt

News Release

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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Canada Committed to a Humane Seal Hunt

News Release

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