Seal Culling — Commercial Harvest and Welfare Standards

Commercial seal culls continue in Canada and Namibia, generating international controversy over killing methods and the welfare of animals killed and those that escape wounded.

Key Facts

Canada's commercial harp seal hunt killed approximately 32,000 seals in 2022 — down from 350,000+ in peak years
The hakapik (traditional club) is the primary killing tool — regulated to require skull crushing before checking for signs of life
Namibia culls approximately 80,000 Cape fur seals annually in one of the world's largest marine mammal culls
Independent observers have documented seals being skinned while still alive in some operations
International trade bans by the EU and US have significantly reduced commercial viability

Welfare Considerations

Seal hunt welfare depends on proper execution of killing methods. The hakapik, applied correctly, kills rapidly. Applied incorrectly or to a seal that escapes, it causes severe injuries. Independent veterinary assessments have found high rates of non-compliance with proper killing procedures in some years. Wounded seals that escape into the water cannot be retrieved and die slowly. The EU ban on seal products (2010) has been the most effective welfare intervention, reducing the commercial incentive for large-scale hunts. The remaining hunts are primarily for domestic markets and subsistence use, with different ethical frameworks applicable.

What You Can Do

Support and maintain EU and US seal product import bans
Donate to IFAW and HSI campaigns monitoring and advocating on seal hunt welfare
Avoid seal products including skins, oil, and meat where commercially produced under poor welfare
Advocate for independent veterinary monitoring to be mandatory during all commercial culls
Support Indigenous seal hunting rights while opposing commercial-scale operations with poor welfare standards