Seal Welfare and the Commercial Hunt

The welfare impacts of commercial seal hunting, including the Canada and Namibia hunts, and the arguments for and against.

Key Facts

Canada's commercial harp seal hunt is one of the largest marine mammal hunts in the world
The Canadian government sets annual quotas that can exceed 400,000 seals
Commercial seal product imports are banned by the EU, US, and Russia
Pups less than 12 days old cannot be legally hunted in Canada but enforcement is challenging
The primary product is fur, with some use of meat and oil

Welfare Considerations

The welfare of commercially hunted seals has been extensively documented by veterinary observers. While hakapik strikes can kill quickly when properly applied, video evidence shows animals that are not immediately rendered unconscious, evidence of incomplete killing, and animals being skinned while still alive. The remoteness of hunt locations makes monitoring extremely difficult. Hunts of dependent young animals also raise additional welfare concerns around the fear response of pups and the distress of mothers. The economic viability of commercial sealing has declined significantly following trade bans.

What You Can Do

Support existing import bans on seal products in your country
Advocate for stronger monitoring and enforcement of hunt regulations where hunting continues
Do not purchase seal fur products
Support marine conservation organizations working on seal protection
Raise awareness about the scale and welfare concerns of commercial sealing