[** Policy options for reducing conflict in the Atlantic Canadian seal hunt **]

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Policy Options For Reducing Conflict In The Atlantic Canadian Seal Hunt

Introduction

The seal hunt is held each year in Atlantic coast of Canada, in which Canadian fishermen are engaged in shooting and hunting of harp seal pups in the hunting season, despite the continuous protests from advocates for animal rights. Each year approximately about 350,000 young seals of the east coast of Canada are killed and thousands are maimed or seriously injured for life. There are thirteen species of SEALS, otters in Europe, SEA LIONS and WALRUS inhabit the waters surrounding the North American mainland. Most of them remain at least part of the year in Canadian waters. They have long, for humans, for food, clothing and fuel. (Aburto, 2004, 45)

After the walrus, the gray seals (Halichoerus grypus) are hunted for their oil. In 1790, gray seals are hunted year round in the Magdalen Islands in 1860 and already they are disposed of much of their former range. In the late 1940s, we think there are more gray seals in eastern Canada. But some animals have survived and in 2003 their population is estimated at 143,500 head. This population increases by about 8 per 100 per year. Canadian fishermen also hunt seals from Atlantic ports (Phoca vitulina). However they are not really being commercially exploited, given their small size, low oil quantity and fragmentation of the species. The settlers, however, kill for their meat, oil and leather. (Alvarado , 2003, 41)

At first, the hunting is done on small boats, which were soon overshadowed by the great wooden sailing ships. The industry is growing, attracting foreign investment and employing not only hunters but also for boat builders, carpenters, sail makers and refiners that extract the valuable oil from white seals. Between 1818 and 1862, more people working in the industry and the seal hunt more ports are dedicated to this activity than at any time. For many years, the catch brought ashore exceed 500 000 head. The largest have taken place in 1831, 1832 and 1844 respectively 680,000, 740,000 and 686,000 seals killed. The hunt, which involves more boats and more participants, takes place in 1857: over 370 vessels carrying 13,600 people in the seal fishery. Throughout this period, only the famous cod fishery is more important to the economy of Newfoundland. (Alvarado , 2004, 12)

Wooden boats finally yield the place to steamboats (1863) and later to steamboats, steel-hulled (1906). The advantage of heavier motorized boats is their speed, manoeuvrability and ...