Ottawa – Booming seal populations on the Atlantic Canada coast are depleting fish stocks and disrupting marine ecosystems as commercial fishers and local economies suffer.

Struggling sealers and fishers are pleading for help from the federal government, members of the Senate Committee on Fisheries and Oceans heard during a recent fact-finding mission to Newfoundland and Labrador for a study on the effects of Canada’s growing seal populations.

The industry has been sounding the alarm for a decade about the consequences of a decrease in sealing, a dwindling market for seal products and outdated science and research methods — but the committee heard the government has only responded with hesitation, apathy and inaction.

It’s time for the federal government to act before the issue becomes unmanageable. Improving seal science and data collection and expanding domestic and international markets for seal products should be priorities. The committee will make additional, detailed recommendations in the report it will produce at the conclusion of its study.

Quick facts

• The committee’s fact-finding mission took place from September 11 to 13, 2023. The committee’s study on seal populations and their effects on Canada’s fisheries began in fall 2022.
• Senators visited several communities and sites, including the harbour in Port de Grave, the John C. Crosbie Sealers Interpretation Centre in Elliston and the Carino processing plant in South Dildo. The committee’s visit concluded with public hearings in St. John’s.
• Senators heard estimates that the Northwest Atlantic harp seal population alone is more than seven million — and growing.

Quotes

“For this study, it was crucial for my colleagues to hear directly from the community and industry members on the ground. As a committee, we’ve built a deep understanding of the issues at play and we’re invested in developing solutions in a timely manner.”

- Senator Fabian Manning, Chair of the committee

“Ignoring Canada’s immense seal population isn’t a sustainable strategy. Canadians’ livelihoods, local economies and the country’s threatened fish stocks depend on an effective management strategy for the seal population, including comprehensive support for the sealing industry.”

- Senator Bev Busson, Deputy Chair of the committee 

“The sealing industry needs a champion — will the federal government be up to the challenge? The importance of a sustainable seal harvest and a strong seal products industry to Indigenous and Northern communities cannot be overstated.”

- Senator Brian Francis, member of the committee

“We’re putting the federal government on notice: the fishing and sealing industries need action now. The committee will soon provide that roadmap, informed by the people most seriously affected.”

- Senator Jim Quinn, former member of the committee

Associated links

• Learn more about the study or visit the committee’s website.
• Follow the committee on social media using the hashtag #POFO.
• Subscribe to email alerts for Senate committees.
• Sign up for the Senate eNewsletter.

For more information:

Ben Silverman
Communications Officer | Senate of Canada
343-574-4950 | ben.silverman@sen.parl.gc.ca