April 15, 1999
(Fisheries and Aquaculture)

Minister calls for seal management plan

At a news conference Wednesday, Newfoundland and Labrador Fisheries Minister John Efford and members of the province's All-Party Committee on Sealing called upon Fisheries and Oceans Minister David Anderson to work with the province of Newfoundland and Labrador to develop and implement a management plan to address the imbalance in the imperiled Newfoundland and Labrador marine ecosystem caused by a mushrooming seal population before it is too late.

A video was also shown documenting the substance of Minister Efford's and the Committee's concerns. Letters of support from individuals, municipalities, town councils, organizations and petitions in support of the provincial minister's stand on the issue were also viewed.

"The purpose of our news conference today (Wednesday) is to present federal Fisheries and Oceans Minister David Anderson with the truth about the continued devastating impact on key groundfish stocks through seal predation and the imbalance an estimated six-million animal harp seal herd is having on the marine ecosystem as a whole," said Minister Efford.

"We have listened to concerns of our people on this issue, and Canadian public opinion is squarely behind us. What we are asking the federal minister to do is look at the evidence and work with us to put in place measures to bring closure to this issue.

"The most recent Department of Fisheries and Oceans Status Report on northern cod states: It appears that predation by seals has been an important source of mortality of cod since the start of the [cod] moratorium [in 1992]. There is also the possibility that predation by seals is retarding the recovery of the cod stock, not simply because considerable numbers are being consumed, but also because some of those cod have been recruited to the spawning population," the minister continued.

"As well, the federal minister's own scientific council, the FRCC, has also sounded the alarm about seal predation on cod stocks as recently as November 1998. The harp seal population in Atlantic Canada's waters has grown from 2.5 million animals in 1981 to in excess of six million animals in 1998. Scientific assessment suggests this population is now far too large, and is showing signs of stress related to over-density. For 1999, pup production is projected at approximately 900,000 animals. The 1999 Total Allowable Catch (TAC) was set at 275,000 animals. The harp seal population is growing, even with the current TAC."

Minister Efford also pointed out the devastating effects of the imbalance of the marine ecosystem on the human ecosystem in rural Newfoundland and Labrador.

"The population of Newfoundland and Labrador has declined at an alarming rate since the cod moratorium in 1992," said Minister Efford. "In 1992, out-migration from the province was under 2,000 people. In 1997/98, however, out-migration reached an alarming all-time high of nearly 12,000 people, and many of our costal people continue to face an uncertain future.

"Prior to the moratorium, more than 40,000 Newfoundlanders and Labradorians worked as fish harvesters and plant workers. Last year, there were fewer than 25,000 employed for a much shorter period than previously.

"The time has come to restore a sense of dignity to those people who see their very livelihood eroded by forces beyond their control. Clearly, aggressive public policy measures are necessary to provide a more certain future for our people."

For more information and a copy of the video, contact:

Mary MacNab
Sealing Industry Promotions Officer
Telephone: (709) 729-3745
Cell: (709) 682-8270
Fax: (709) 729-0360
Email: mmacnab@mail.gov.nf.ca

1999 04 15                          1:00 p.m.