1. SEAL FISHERY AND SEAL-BASED PRODUCTS
Fereidoon Shahidi
Department of Biochemistry
Memorial University of Newfoundland
St. John’s, NL, A1B3X9

2. 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.

3. “Seal De-blubbering”
St. John’s Waterfront -1897

4. 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)

5. Sealing Industry

6. Harp Seal - Distribution

8. Historical Catches of Harp Seals in the Northwest Atlantic

9. 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

10. Resource Utilization & Benefits
2003 fishery successful due strong markets
2003 Export Value - $40 million
2003 fishery harvest 306,000 seals
300 plant workers 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.