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April 15, 1996
(Fisheries and Aquaculture)


Minister says seal markets calling for more seals

Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister John Efford says seal markets are calling for another 150,000 seals.

"The markets are there and the seals are definitely there to support an increase in the harvest this year, and we should take advantage of that to create extended employment in the fishery and upwards of $5 million, plus spin-off benefits, for the province's economy," he said.

Mr. Efford said he would support a decision by the federal Minister of Fisheries and Oceans to increase this year's harp seal quota. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans shut down the seal fishery last week when it estimated that the '96 quota of 250,000 animals was close to being reached. The federal department indicated that the fishery might resume if final figures show that the full quota has not been reached.

Mr. Efford, however, said even a harvest of the full quota of 250,000 seals this year is not enough to satisfy market demands.

"An increased quota would not in any way threaten the harp seal population of 4.8 million. But it would generate an additional $5 million or more for the economy, provide extended employment for about 4,000 sealers and 250 plant workers, and ensure that we don't lose markets we've worked so hard to develop. I see only gains and no losses to be made by increasing the quota," the minister said, adding that the increase would also permit a seal fishery for personal use.

He pointed out these gains would be in addition to the employment and estimated $10 million already realized before the seal fishery shut down last week.

The minister said that in addition to the economic benefits of an expanded hunt, it is also believed that seals are a major constraint to the rebuilding of cod and other groundfish resources.

"The harp seal population of Newfoundland and Labrador is the largest seal herd in the world, and would still be the largest even if two million or more of them were harvested. With those numbers, a harvest of another 150,000 would not have any significant impact on the marine ecosystem, except perhaps to help rebuild groundfish stocks," Mr. Efford said.

Contact: Josephine Cheeseman, Director of Public Relations, (709) 729-3733.

1996 04 15 3:30 p.m. /md

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