TL: Seals And Fisheries (GP)
SO: Greenpeace Canada
DT: 1991
Keywords: oceans fisheries greenpeace groups canada maritimes
factsheets gp /

The Atlantic Ocean used to teem with a rich diversity of life.
Fish, seals, whales and many other creatures together formed a
dynamic, interacting and balanced ecosystem. Tragically, over the
centuries, most of these species have been subjected to
uncontrolled killing frenzies. Many were brought to the brink of
extinction, and some were pushed over the edge.

The wanton destruction of the harp and hooded seal herds of the
North Atlantic is a perfect example. Centuries of
over-exploitation depleted the herds one after the other, and now
several of the stocks are in desperate shape.

Life History of the Seals
=========================

Harp seals are found in Eastern Canada, to the east of Greenland,
and in the White Sea in the Soviet Union. Hooded seals are found
only in the first two. Harp seals and hooded seals migrate south
from Arctic waters with the advancing ice in the autumn. By late
winter both species have congregated in two areas: east of
Newfoundland and Labrador, and in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Here,
harps produce the famous whitecoat" pup, and hoods give birth to
their pups which are known as bluebacks. By early summer, both
species have returned to northern waters.

Hunted by the millions
======================

Harps and hoods have been hunted mercilessly. During the
nineteenth century alone, over thirty million were clubbed for
their hides and oil. Further millions have been slaughtered this
century. Such carnage resulted in tremendous declines in the herds.

The Import Ban and the Inuit Exemptions
=======================================

By 1983, concern for the continued health of the seal herds was so
widespread that the European Community imposed a ban on the
importation of whitecoats and bluebacks. Since Europe was the major
market tor sealskins, such an action had a dramatic impact on the
hunt. A specific exception, which Greenpeace supported, was
provided for products resulting "from traditional hunting by the
Inuit people".

Current Populations
===================

The population of harp seals in the Northwest Atlantic fell
dramatically from the 1950's to the 1970's. Some put the figure as
high as 60 per cent. The Canadian government says the
introduction of quotas in 1971 stopped the decline. But many
scientists believe the numbers of harps continued to fall
throughout the 70's. To date, no evidence exists of an increase in
the herds.

As for hooded seals, aerial surveys in eastern Canada suggest that
the herds have grown over the last 20 years. But a Canadian Royal
Commission has pointed out that such an increase is not certain.
Regardless, the population remains far below levels before hunting
began.

The status of the other populations of harps and hoods is even more
precarious. For example, the number of harp seals breeding in the
White Sea declined by 49% between 1985 and 1988. Yet these stocks
continue to be intensely exploited.

Seals and Fisheries
===================

Some people argue that more seals means less fish. They blame the
seals for problems fishermen are having making a living. It is not
historically true, nor is it logical, to argue that fish and seals
cannot coexist. There were both many more seals, and many more
fish, until modern fishing methods devastated the world's fish
stocks. It is also interesting to note that many of the fish which
seals do eat are from species that are of no commercial value. In
addition, numerous fish die of disease or are eaten by larger
predator fish.

It is often suggested that fewer seals would mean fewer parasites
in the flesh of fish. While it is true that seals play a role in
the completion of the life cycle of certain fish parasites, these
life cycles are very complex, involving many alternate hosts and
depending on many other factors. Killing seals will not solve the
parasite problem either.

Seals are not the culprits responsible for the poor state of
several of Canada's fisheries. Years of relentless overfishing, the
use of destructive and nonselective gear, the physical and chemical
destruction of fish habitat and other wasteful practices are the
real causes of declining fish stocks.

In fact, the ability of modern fishing fleets to plunder fish
stocks in a few years has caused problems for some seal species. In
the Barents Sea north of Norway, several fish stocks have been
either destroyed or reduced to very low levels. As a result, harp
seals from the area have been unable to find food, and many are
reported to be in poor condition.

Seals are not the cause of the poor state of many of the world's
fish stocks. They are threatened just as surely as the fish
themselves by the ruthless efficiency of the modern fishing
industry.

Tourists on Ice
===============

Commercial operations are now allowing tourists to view the harp
and hooded seal whelping grounds in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
Greenpeace heartily endorses such developments, and feels that they
are much more deserving of support than the resurrection of the
seal hunt. It is sincerely hoped that these tourists will bring an
economic boost to the region.