Is the seal harvest conducted in a humane manner?
The harp seal harvest is one of the most tightly regulated harvests of in the world. The most recent information on the humaneness of the hunt is the Report of the Independent Veterinarians Working Group on the Canadian Harp Seal Hunt entitled Improving Humane Practice in the Canadian Harp Seal Hunt (2005). DFO amended the Marine Mammal Regulations in March 2009 to include a new humane harvesting process based on the reports recommendations. The Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture and DFO have updated a handbook for individuals taking part in the seal fishery. An instructional video has been made available to sealers focusing on the humane practices that must be followed. Both government departments have a strong relationship with the Sealing Industry and continue to collaborate on issues, particularly as it relates to humane harvesting practices.
