Canada's world-leading animal welfare standards, codes of practice, training and licensing programs ensure human harvesting and the highest quality products.
It has often been stated the the Canadian seal hunt is the most heavily scrutinized hunt in the world. The frequent presence of protestors, anti-sealing groups, and media outlets since the 1970s has drawn worldwide attention to the hunt and its practices.
" Canadian harvesting practices are among the best in the world. They are guided by rigorous animal welfare principles that are internationally recognized by independent observers. "
- Department of Fisheries and Oceans
The seal harvest is tightly regulated, closely monitored and strictly enforced. The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring a safe, well-managed and humane seal harvest.
The amount of whitecoats harvested since 1987.
The amount of sealers that primarily use riffles. The remaining 30% of sealers use both rifles and hakapiks (or clubs), which also represents a safety tool in order to protect oneself on the ice.
The percentage of compliance rate with the MMR based on approximately 3,000 fishery officer inspections over the last five years.
5 rules are being enforced by Fishery officers during Sealing Activities in Canada:
Fisheries officers monitor the seal hunt 24/7 during the open season. The RCMP, Quebec provincial police, and at-sea observers are also engaged to monitor the hunt and enforce the Marine Mammal Regulations.
The annual seal harvest contributes to marine biodiversity protection by supporting the conservation of fish and other marine species.
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Sealing is a vital activity for ten of thousands of rural Canadians throughout the country. Seal hunt sustains northern and coastal communities nutritionally, culturally and economically.
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Many national and international conservation organizations have expressed their support of seal harvesting in Canada.
