In response to growing interest in participating in the seal harvest, the Honorable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, announced that personal use seal licenses will be available to harvesters in New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. 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. This is why I have always prioritized the issue of seals. It is essential to emphasize that this harvest is strictly regulated and monitored. With today’s announcement, the Government of Canada reaffirms its support for the seal harvest and for management decisions that are based on scientific advice, both in terms of conservation and on humane harvest practices,” said the Honorable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard.
Previously, DFO’s Commercial Fisheries Licensing Policy for Eastern Canada only allowed harvesters in Quebec, Newfoundland, and Labrador to apply for personal use seal licenses. 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.
DFO intends to issue a limited number of new personal use licenses for 2024 in order to pilot the activity in additional areas. Lessons learned from this pilot will inform the next steps on personal use sealing within these jurisdictions. Under the conditions of the license, each personal use harvester will be able to harvest up to six harp and/or grey seals. The precise number of harvesters and harvest limits will be determined following further consultations with potential harvesters and provincial partners.
DFO will work with provinces on options to expand access to the personal use seal harvest further next year.
