NR-HQ-02-08E

Proposed Changes To Marine Mammal Regulations Related To Seals Published In Canada Gazette

March 5, 2002

OTTAWA -- Fisheries and Oceans Canada is inviting public comment on proposed changes to the Marine Mammal Regulations relating to the hunting of seals. These proposed regulatory changes deal largely with the Atlantic seal hunt and are aimed at enhancing conservation, improving management and ensuring that the hunt is conducted in a more humane manner.

The proposed changes to the regulations were developed in consultation with over
80 organizations, including Aboriginal groups, a wide range of industry stakeholders including representatives of the commercial seal industry, scientists, academics, provincial and federal officials, conservation and animal rights groups and veterinarians.

The proposed amendments include:

• Amendments to hunting methods to establish a clearer determination of death before bleeding and skinning, which is meant to ensure that all animals are checked quickly for death after they are shot or clubbed, as suggested by veterinarians;

• The extension of the application of existing gear restrictions to commercial sealing throughout Atlantic Canada, which would prevent the use of nets for any commercial sealing and would ensure a consistent standard;

• A requirement to land either the pelt or carcass of seals taken by commercial or personal use sealers, which makes it illegal to harvest a seal for only smaller parts, such as organs;

• The establishment of licences and licence prerequisites to allow the killing of nuisance seals, where there is a danger to property and other efforts have failed or where they are inflicting great damage on migrating fish stocks

• The establishment of separate licences for commercial and personal use sealing, which would allow for distinct seasons and closures based on having reached the established allocation among the various users; and

• The establishment of a licence for vessels greater than 65' to collect seals from other vessels, which sealers can use as a possible safe haven during bad weather.

Canadians have an opportunity to comment on the proposed changes now that they have been published in the Canada Gazette, Part I on March 2, 2002. They have 30 days from that date to express their views and comments.

Copies of the proposed changes to the regulations can be found in most public libraries and in bookstores selling government publications; they can also be found at the Canada Gazette Internet site at http://canada.gc.ca/gazette/hompar1-2_e.html.