The federal government is expanding opportunities to participate in the seal harvest in New Brunswick and PEI.
Fisheries and Oceans Minister Diane Lebouthillier is making personal use seal licenses available to harvesters.
Previously, only harvesters in Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador were permitted to apply for personal use licenses.
The focus of this harvest is harp and grey seals which DFO assesses to be in the healthy zone of the Department’s precautionary approach framework.
“The seal harvest is of great importance and value to many communities, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous, as it meets fundamental needs such as food, culture, warmth, and economic independence,” Lebouthilier says.
“This is why I have always prioritized the issue of seals. It is essential to emphasize that this harvest is strictly regulated and monitored.”
In addition to expanding the personal use seal harvest into new provinces, amendments to the policy have also incorporated the long-standing practice of requiring harvesters to participate in humane harvesting information sessions.
A limited number of personal use licenses will be issued for 2024.
Each license will allow the harvest of six harp and/or grey seals.
“In Canada, it(seal harvest) is managed in a sustainable, well-regulated, and humane way that supports Canada’s Indigenous, rural, remote, and coastal communities,” Lebouthilier adds.
The Department of Fisheries and Oceans will work with provinces to look at further expansion in access to the personal use seal harvest next year.
