Source: Leaflet published by the Canadian Sealers Association

Maximizing Our Seal Resources for the Benefit of Canada and the World

- Canadian Sealers Association -

Developing A Responsible, Ecologically Sound Industry Based On Full Utilization Of The Seal CSA... a responsible association with positive goals The Canadian Sealers Association (CSA) was formed in 1982 in response to negative publicity against the sealing industry by some animal rights groups. Its primary focus was to develop an educational and public awareness campaign to counteract the animal rights groups. Working Links ... Over the years considerable funding has been provided by the government of Canada which has been complemented by some provincial funding especially from the province of Newfoundland, and also some private contributions. The Association operates as craft store under its Northern Crafts division. The association has established working links with many organizations/agencies including government, private industry (national and international), the academic community and is closely associated with other sealing groups. Improved Handling and Management Since 1982 the Association has expanded its mandate and activities and has become involved in scientific research, improved harvesting and management of the resource and development of products and markets. The primary objective of CSA and the whole industry is the full utilization of each animal harvested. These activities combined with continuing educational and public awareness efforts have resulted in an assurance of the sustainable development of the resource, exemplary harvesting and management practices with emphasis on humane methods and the production and marketing of quality products on a consistent basis. A Sustainable Industry ... As a result of the efforts by the CSA in consultation with the government of Canada, the seal hunt is now undertaken with smaller vessels and sealers do not harvest any "baby seals" commonly known as whitecoats. Average catch over the last year is less than one third of the sustainable Total Allowable Catch (TAC) of 186,000 harp seals. However, combined efforts have resulted in steady growth in the industry and the long term future looks good especially since it has the approval of some of the worlds most prestigious conservation groups. Existing and Developing Products V Seal Oil - Seal oil capsules for human consumption - Seal oil cream for medical use V Seal Meat - Canned seal meat - Seal Salami - Seal Pepperoni - Seal Sausage - Garlic, Italian, Regular - Seal Stew - Seal Pies - Seal prime cuts - Seal pate - Seal jerky V Seal Leather/Suede - Briefcase and attache - Purses, wallets - Office needs - time diaries, business card cases - Jackets/Coats - Vest - Ties V Seal Fur - Full length coats/jackets - Hats, boots and mitts - Slippers Producers List on Back Page A Variety Of Uses! From Omega 3 Oil Supplements, High Quality Protein Meats to ... Fine Quality Leathers and Fur ... A Resource for World Wide Use! A Tradition Seal products have traditionally been local food delicacies and fur products made mainly from pelts. Oils have been used largely in commercial/industrial applications. Towards Full Utilization This is changing now and there is a strong emphasis on seal oils for human consumption, diverse uses for seal meat and a broader range of fur, leather and suede products from pelts. This is just another strong indication of the commitment to full utilization of the animal. A Great Source of Protein Seal oils are very high in Omega 3 fatty acids, amino acids and other properties which make it a valuable health benefit; low grade seal oils are used in industrial applications. Seal meat is very high in protein and is to be used in a variety of ways - food products for human consumption - protein hydrolysates to provide protein needs for third world and developing countries and at home; and the by- products for use as animal feed. Seal References and Terms Seals and sealing has its own terms and a fairly long and comprehensive list of references. Suggested readings as noted below provide help gaining a better understanding of the sealing industry. However, it would be very helpful to understand sealing terms as used in most literature and discussion pertaining to the industry. The terms noted below are common in most literature and widely used in most Department of Fisheries and Oceans material # Beater - a fully moulted harp seal pup from 3 1/2 weeks old to 1 year old. # Bedlamer - an immature harp seal from 1 to 5 years old. # Blueback - a hooded seal pup to 1 year old. # Front - An area of open water and ice along the northeast coast of Newfoundland, the east coast of Labrador and the straight of Belle Isle, where the largest concentration of harp seal whelp and breeding takes place. # Harp Seal - a hair seal known by the Latin name Phoca groenlandica. # Hooded Seal - a hair seal known by the Latin name Cystophora cristata. # Lansdmen - fishermen who go sealing on foot or from small open boats. Canadian Sealers Association L´Association Canadienne des Chasseurs de Phoques P.O.Box 5484, St.John's, NF Canada A1C 5W4 Tel: (709) 722-1721 Fax: (709) 738-1661 President - Mark Small Executive Director - Tina Fagan Producers List Seal Oil Capsules: Terra Nova Fisheries, St.John's, NF (currently available only in the Far East) Seal Oil Cream: (currently available only in Norway) Seal Meat Products: - canned meat - salami, pepperoni - ragout - pies - tortes - prime cuts Costal People Group Att: John Acerman Tel: (709) 678-2488 Fax: (709) 678-2447 - Sausage - regular, italian, garlic Way's Food Products Att: Winston Waye Tel: (709) 335-2955 Fax: (709) 335-2011 Seal Fur, Leather, Suede products available at: Norhern Crafts Tel: (709) 722-4280 Fax: (709) 738-1661

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