Seal Hunting In Canada Sparks Controversy Between Environmental Groups, Hunters

Newfoundland, Canada (AHN) - Newfoundland sealers reported receiving threats over the telephone on account of their participation in seal hunting.

One of the hunters, Jack Troake of Twilingate, said most of the time his phone rang at late nights and the caller usually uses foul language. Following the threats, Troake asked for protection for sealers.

Seal hunting has become a controversial activity especially with the growing opposition from environmentalist over the effect of seal hunting on seal population. Seal hunters contend that what they do is their main source of livelihood and food.

Canada is one of the five countries where sealing is prevalent. The four other places are in Greenland, Namibia, Norway and Russia. The International Council for the Exploration of the Seas and the Canadian Department of Fisheries and Oceans has set a limit on total seal catch at 270,000 annually.