An Ethnical Seal Harvest

The Nunavut government gave its seal of approval to the Universal Declaration on the Ethical Harvest of Seals.

The Declaration is to create common ethical principles for all seal-hunting peoples based on three responsibilities: animal welfare, the well being of human communities and the protection of species and ecosystems.

“I am delighted that the government of Nunavut is adding its voice to that of the government of Quebec and the government of Newfoundland and Labrador and reaffirms the interdependency between the seal hunt carried out in Nunavut and that carried out in the rest of Canada” said Senator Céline Hervieux-Payette, who lead the project.

Nunavut Premier Eva Aariak, said, “as you know, the recent European Union seal products ban, while aimed at the Atlantic harp seal harvest, has severely impacted the market for Nunavut ringed seal pelts. Sealskins are used domestically for garments and crafts and are sold as art and at auctions, providing income which finances further hunting activities and contributes significantly to the local economy.”

The Declaration has the backing of the Fur Council of Canada and the international organization for animal conservation IWMC World Conservation Trust based in Switzerland.