June 9, 1998
(Executive Council)

The following is being distributed at the request of the Conference of Atlantic Premiers:

Sealing industry

Atlantic premiers meeting June 8 in Fredericton, New Brunswick acknowledged that groups such as the IFAW were publicly stating a number of misconceptions regarding the sealing industry.

Newfoundland Premier Brian Tobin noted that "the seal hunt is conducted on the basis of a sustainable harvest, utilizing humane practices carried out by professional fishermen."

Premiers acknowledged the importance of the sealing industry in terms of its economic value and impact, particularly in Newfoundland and Labrador, as evident from the following indicators for 1998:

• Landed Value to Seal Harvesters       $10 million

• Number of Fishermen Engaged                 3,900

• Number of Plant Workers                          300

Premiers noted that subsidies provided to the sealing industry were being overstated by industry opponents. Tobin noted "the level of subsidy has been declining significantly in recent years and the federal subsidy will be phased out in 1999."

Premiers also noted the impact seals were having on other fisheries. "The average consumption of fish per seal per year is estimated at 1.4 tonnes. In the case of northern cod, NAFO scientists estimate that seals consume approximately 108,000 tonnes of juvenile fish," Tobin said. "These are less than 40 centimetres in length and represent an astounding 300 million juveniles. Clearly, this is having a major impact on the recovery of northern cod."

Contact: Kim Thomson, information officer, Conference of Atlantic Premiers, P.O. Box 2044, Halifax, NS, B3J 2Z1, (902) 424-8975.

1998 06 09                            11:40 a.m.