SEAL FISHERY AND SEAL-BASED PRODUCTS Fereidoon Shahidi Department of Biochemistry Memorial University of Newfoundland St. John’s, NL, A1B3X9
History & Dependence Sealing industry dates back to 1700’s Annual landings vary due to markets and climate Provides income and food to coastal communities Slide 6 Bullet Two -The 2J3KL stock was under moratorium from 1992 to 1997 with virtually no recovery taking place. A small fishery took place in 1998 and 1999 due to some good signs in southern inshore areas. Indication from the fishery suggest there is still no recovery in northern areas where seals are most common.
“Seal De-blubbering” St. John’s Waterfront -1897
The Phocid Seals of Eastern Canada Bearded Seal (Erignathus barbatus) Grey Seal (Halichoerus grypus) Harbour Seal (Phoca vitulina) Harp Seal (Phoca groenlandica) Hooded Seal (Cystophora cristata) Ringed Seal (Phoca hispida)
Sealing Industry
Harp Seal - Distribution
Historical Catches of Harp Seals in the Northwest Atlantic
Top Five Species Landed Value (millions) 1989 2003 Crab Cod Shrimp Lobster Plaice Seals $18 $14 $19 $120 $235 $144 $29 $27 $20 Capelin P = Preliminary
Resource Utilization & Benefits 2003 fishery successful due strong markets 2003 Export Value - $40 million 2003 fishery harvest 306,000 seals 300 plant workers - 4000 harvesters Increased private sector investment Remains important part of annual income for sealers and plant workers 1998 figures for the GDP are not available at this time.