In the column, Younghusband lumps the World Wildlife Fund in with other groups which are opposing the expansion of the seal hunt. This is simply not the case.

We have stated publicity in the seal forums held in St. John's and in numerous media interviews that we are not opposed to an expansion of the hunt. There is no evidence of a threat to the sustainability of the population. Our statements were carried in The Evening Telegram at that time.

Our position is clearly different form that held by a number of animal rights groups. This is not a new position for us and is consistent with our previous statement on sealing.