The Controversial Commercial Seal Hunt

They are cute and their eyes can melt even the coldest hearts, yet this doesn't guarantee them their safety...

The Tragic Tale of the Commercial Seal Hunt:

A Detailed Examination

They are among the most endearing creatures of the Arctic. Their soft, snow-white fur, innocent black eyes, and playful flippers captivate the hearts of millions. Harp seals (Pagophilus groenlandicus), the very embodiment of Arctic beauty, symbolize purity and resilience in the harshest of environments. But beneath this charm lies a dark, heartbreaking reality: the brutal commercial seal hunt.

For centuries, these graceful marine mammals have been integral to the North Atlantic ecosystem, maintaining balance as predators and prey in the vast Arctic food web. Yet, despite their importance, harp seals have been subjected to one of the most appalling and large-scale slaughters of marine mammals in human history.

Every year, hundreds of thousands of innocent harp seals, most of them still babies between three weeks and three months old, are clubbed, shot, and skinned alive in one of the most senseless acts of animal cruelty. This mass slaughter, which takes place mainly in Canada but also in other countries such as Greenland, Namibia, and Russia, is driven solely by the demand for their fur. The icy expanses of the Gulf of Saint Lawrence and Newfoundland are transformed into fields of blood, as these vulnerable creatures, still learning to navigate their frozen world, are mercilessly butchered before they even have the chance to fully experience life.

The commercial harp seal hunt is not only the largest slaughter of marine mammals on Earth but also one of the most controversial and unnecessary. Despite global condemnation, the hunt persists, justified by outdated traditions and economic myths that no longer hold up in the modern world.

This page serves as an in-depth exposé of the brutal reality behind the seal hunt, its devastating effects on harp seal populations, the shocking cruelty involved, and the global efforts to end this outdated practice once and for all.

The Commercial Seal Hunt: What You Need to Know

The commercial seal hunt, particularly in Canada, is an annual event in which large numbers of harp seals are killed for their fur. While the Canadian government and the sealing industry attempt to paint the hunt as "sustainable" and "humane," the facts tell a very different story. The truth is grim, and it is crucial that the world knows what is happening beneath the surface.

Where and When Does the Seal Hunt Take Place?

The Canadian commercial seal hunt occurs primarily in two regions:

1. The Gulf of Saint Lawrence – This region hosts some of the earliest killings, with sealers venturing onto the unstable ice floes in March.

2. The "Front" (Newfoundland and Labrador) – The largest massacre annually opens in April (from 06 AM - 06 PM local time) and May (usually ends on May 15th), when the sea ice begins to break up, making it easier for boats to navigate the blood-soaked waters.

In addition to Canada, commercial harp seal hunting is also practiced in:

• Greenland (which, along with Canada, is responsible for the deaths of up to 800,000 harp seals in the past decade)

• Namibia (where Cape fur seals, a close relative of harp seals, are clubbed to death for their fur and their genitals in equally horrific numbers)

• Russia, Norway, Finland, Sweden, and Estonia, where smaller-scale commercial hunts take place
  
  

Who Are the Victims?

Harp seals are the primary targets of the hunt, specifically their pups. The vast majority—98%—are between the ages of three weeks and three months.

Many people believe that the killing of "whitecoat" harp seal pups (those with their iconic fluffy white fur) was banned in Canada. This is technically true. However, once a seal molts its white fur at around three weeks old, it is no longer legally protected. This means that incredibly young seals, who have only just begun exploring their environment and are still entirely dependent on the ice for survival, are fair game for hunters. These pups are killed before they even have their first real swim.

Methods of Killing: The Harsh Reality

The methods used to kill these defenseless animals are among the most brutal in the world of wildlife exploitation. The two primary killing methods include:

1. The Hakapik: A Tool of Torture

A hakapik is a club-like tool with a heavy wooden handle and a sharp metal spike on one end. Sealers use this weapon to crush the skulls of young seals before skinning them. Despite claims that this method is "instantaneous," many seals survive the initial blows and are left writhing in pain on the ice. Some are still alive when they are skinned.

2. Shotguns: A Slow and Agonizing Death

Sealers on boats often use shotguns to shoot seals from a distance. However, due to the movement of the ice, the rough sea conditions, and the inaccuracy of shooting from a rocking boat, many seals are merely wounded rather than killed. These injured seals slip beneath the ice, dying slow and agonizing deaths at the bottom of the ocean.

Shocking footage has revealed cases of conscious seals being dragged onto boats with hooks while still struggling. Many are still alive as their fur is ripped from their bodies.

Why Does the Seal Hunt Continue?

The commercial harp seal hunt exists because of outdated economic and political interests, not necessity. The primary justifications for the hunt are:

Economic Support for Coastal Communities: Proponents argue that the hunt provides jobs. However, the seal industry is so small that it contributes only a fraction of 1% to Newfoundland’s economy. Many hunters make as little as a few hundred dollars per year from seal pelts.

Cultural Tradition: While Indigenous communities have long hunted seals for subsistence, the commercial hunt is entirely different. Many Indigenous groups oppose the industrialized slaughter that tarnishes their traditional practices.

Government Subsidies: Without government support, the seal hunt would have collapsed decades ago and spared millions of seals, because there's a dwindling global demand.

The Decline of the Seal Fur Industry

The demand for seal products has plummeted due to international bans:

• The United States banned seal products in 1972

• The European Union (EU) banned them in 2009, this has spared the lives of over 5 million seals over the course of the past 10 years. However, there's an exception in place to not completely ban the trade in seal products originating from indigenous community hunts. In against to the commercial seal hunt, inuit people rely on seals for their livelihood and food. They may only occasionally sell seal fur as byproducts and hunt in far more sustainable ways.

• Russia, Kazakhstan, and Belarus banned them in 2011

• Mexico and Taiwan have also outlawed the trade
  
  

The few remaining markets for seal fur include China and Norway, but even there, the demand for seal fur is shrinking every year. In 2006, the average seal pelt was priced at about $100 CAD. By 2009 (after the EU ban), this had dropped to only $15 CAD per pelt.

The Fight for Change: How You Can Help

The fight against the seal hunt has gained momentum thanks to advocacy organizations and global activism. Organizations like the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and Sea Shepherd have been on the front lines exposing the cruelty of the hunt. We're on the right track too, according to Humane World for Animals (formerly HSI) they have reduced the value of the commercial seal hunt, the numbers of sealers participating in the slaughter and the number of seals killed each year by over 90%!!

What You Can Do:

• Get Involved: Sign petitions and write to lawmakers urging them to end subsidies for the hunt

• Donate: Support organizations working to end the seal hunt or otherwise expose the harsh realities of the inhumane practice

• Boycott Canadian sealfood to send a message to the government

• Spread The Word: Share awareness by spreading the truth about the commercial seal hunt
  
  

Together, we can end this senseless slaughter and give harp seals the future they deserve. The world is watching—let’s make sure these innocent lives are no longer sacrificed for profit and outdated traditions which date back all the way into the 1500s.

What are more ways in which you can help end the seal hunt today?

The Broader Impacts of the Seal Hunt

The commercial seal hunt has lasting impacts on the health of marine ecosystems. Harp seals play an important role in controlling fish populations and maintaining the health of the Arctic marine food web. Their disappearance would cause a ripple effect through the environment, with potential consequences for other species that rely on their presence.

Additionally, the loss of these animals undermines the image of the Arctic as a pristine, untouched region of the world. The killing of seals for their fur is a direct contradiction to the global efforts to preserve these delicate ecosystems.

Voices Against the Hunt: Indigenous Perspectives

While many Indigenous communities in the Arctic have historically hunted seals for subsistence, they argue that the commercial hunt has no place in their cultures. Many Indigenous peoples have voiced opposition to the mass slaughter, emphasizing that their traditional practices, rooted in respect for the animals, are vastly different from the industrialized killing for profit. Their voices are crucial in advocating for an end to the seal hunt, aligning with the global call to preserve the dignity and value of life in the Arctic.

*WildlifeoPedia does also not intend to criticize the traditions of indigenous communities. We respect their culture and believe this is totally different from the commercial seal hunt, where these seals are hunted through really inhumane methods just for profit.

By raising awareness and fostering action, we can bring this horrific chapter in history to a close. The world can move forward by embracing sustainable, compassionate practices that respect the lives of these beautiful creatures, and ultimately, we can ensure that future generations will still be able to marvel at the sight of harp seals playing in the icy waters of the Arctic.

The Economic and Political Reality Behind the Hunt

The continuation of the commercial seal hunt is not due to any environmental necessity but is instead fueled by economic and political factors. Despite the claims made by proponents of the hunt, the seal fur industry contributes little to the economy, and the argument for jobs is tenuous at best.

• Economic Impact: The sealing industry generates a fraction of 1% of Newfoundland's GDP, which means the hunt is not a vital industry for the region's survival. Most sealers only make a few hundred dollars a year from hunting, which is far below a sustainable living wage.
  
  

• Government Subsidies: The Canadian government has continued to provide subsidies to the sealing industry, despite a drastic reduction in demand for seal products. These subsidies keep the hunt alive, even as markets for seal fur continue to dwindle. Furthermore, they have used Canadian tax money to fund this practice.
  
  

• Political Lobbying: The sealing industry has a strong political lobby that works to maintain the hunt, often claiming it is part of Canadian heritage. This political influence keeps the hunt legal and operational, even when the majority of the population opposes it.
  
  

The Role of Global Activism in Raising Awareness

Global activism has played a key role in bringing the reality of the commercial seal hunt to light, amplifying the voices of those who demand change. Advocacy groups, including non-profits, grassroots organizations, and concerned citizens worldwide, continue to raise awareness and demand an end to the hunt.

• International Bans: Numerous countries, including the United States and European Union members, have implemented bans on seal products. This has significantly reduced demand for seal fur and pelts, demonstrating global opposition to the hunt.
  
  

• Nonprofit Efforts: Organizations like Sea Shepherd, IFAW, and HSI actively monitor and expose the cruel practices of the hunt, using undercover footage, social media, and public campaigns to hold the industry accountable.
  
  

• Public Awareness Campaigns: Through documentaries, petitions, and social media, activists have successfully educated millions on the unnecessary cruelty involved in the seal hunt, urging consumers to make ethical choices and avoid supporting the industry.
  
  

The Environmental Impact of the Seal Hunt

The killing of harp seals also has a profound effect on the Arctic ecosystem. Harp seals are a vital part of the marine food web, and their loss could lead to further imbalances in the ecosystem.

• Predator-Prey Balance: Harp seals regulate fish populations by preying on small fish species, which helps keep the population in check and ensures the health of marine life. Without them, there could be an overpopulation of certain fish species, which could harm the balance of the entire ecosystem.
  
  

• Food Source for Other Species: Seals are also a primary food source for larger predators like polar bears and killer whales. If harp seals were to disappear, it would create a food scarcity for these species, leading to an even greater environmental crisis.
  
  

• Disruption of Marine Life: The Arctic is a delicate environment, and the loss of one key species can set off a chain reaction that affects other marine animals, from fish to whales, and ultimately the entire ecosystem.
  
  

Cultural and Ethical Considerations

The commercial seal hunt raises significant cultural and ethical issues. While many Indigenous groups in the Arctic have historically hunted seals for survival, the modern, industrialized hunt is far removed from traditional practices, leading to ethical concerns.

• Traditional vs. Industrial Practices: Indigenous seal hunters use sustainable, respectful methods that honor the animal, a stark contrast to the brutal commercial hunt driven by profit. Many Indigenous leaders have spoken out against the modern, industrialized seal hunt, as it undermines their culture and traditions.
  
  

• Animal Rights: The ethical argument against the hunt is rooted in animal rights, where opponents argue that no sentient animal should suffer such cruelty for luxury goods like fur coats. The inhumane methods, such as clubbing and shooting young seals, are widely condemned as unethical and unjustifiable.
  
  

• Global Morality: The widespread opposition to the seal hunt is a reflection of evolving global ethics, where such an unseen cruelty just for profit is increasingly seen as unacceptable. As awareness spreads, it becomes clearer that this practice belongs to the past and should be halted permanently.
  
  

The Path Forward: Ending the Hunt

Ending the commercial seal hunt requires a concerted effort from individuals, governments, and organizations around the world. While the path to ending the hunt may be challenging, there is hope that the combined efforts of global advocates will ultimately lead to change.

• Political Pressure: Governments around the world must exert pressure on Canada and other nations to end subsidies for the seal hunt and pass legislation banning the commercial slaughter of seals.
  
  

• Consumer Power: Consumers play a pivotal role in the fight to end the seal hunt. By boycotting seal products and Canadian seafood, individuals can send a powerful message to the Canadian government and businesses that profit from the hunt.
  
  

• Sustainable Alternatives: Promoting sustainable alternatives to seal fur, such as faux fur or other cruelty-free materials, can help decrease the demand for seal products while encouraging ethical fashion and production.

Harp seals are not just one of the most cutest symbols of the Arctic — they are crucial members of the ecosystem, playing a vital role in the health of our oceans. By spreading awareness, signing petitions, supporting organizations like IFAW or Sea Shepherd, and refusing to purchase seal products, we can protect the future of these cute animals. Together, we can make sure the harp seal’s voice is heard

Let’s stand up for these innocent lives. Share this message and help protect the harp seals from a future of slaughter. The world needs to know, and you can be part of that change. 

Check out the commercial seal hunt on WildlifeoFundraiser to explore some reputable charities