How many commercial licences were issued in 2007?
Commercial: In 2007, there were approximately 14,000 commercial licences issued to sealers, although not all licences were used. A freeze on new commercial seal licences is in effect for all areas of Atlantic Canada and Quebec (with the exception of the Quebec Lower North Shore, Aboriginal sealers, and the hunt for grey seals). Personal: Since 1995, personal use sealing licences have been issued to residents adjacent to sealing areas in Newfoundland and Labrador (south of 53N latitude), the Quebec North Shore, the Gasp Peninsula and the Magdalen Islands. These are areas hard hit by the groundfish fishery closures. This type of licence allows the holder to take up to six seals for personal consumption.
