What are the current seal populations?
Harp Seals: There are three harp seal populations in the north Atlantic, of which the stock off Canada and western Greenland is the largest. The Northwest harp seal population is healthy and abundant and, since 1970, has nearly tripled in size. The estimated population size is more than 5.5 million animals. Hooded Seals: Hooded seals are the second most commercially important species in Atlantic Canada. There are two whelping areas for hooded seals in Atlantic Canada: one in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the other off Newfoundland and Labrador. The Gulf of St. Lawrence component is small (approximately 10,000 animals) and hunting of this herd is prohibited. Based on the last surveys conducted in 2005, the total population of hooded seals was estimated at 593,500 animals. Grey seals: There are two grey seal herds, with the main breeding concentrations being in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence and on Sable Island, Nova Scotia. The grey seal herd population is estimated to be about 300,00
