Question Period Note: Atlantic Seal Science Task Team

Atlantic Seal Science Task Team

The Atlantic Seal Science Task Team was launched as a direct response to concerns raised by commercial fish harvesters in Eastern Canada on the impact of seal predation on fish stocks.

The Atlantic Seal Science Task Team has submitted its report to Fisheries and Oceans Canada, offering nine recommendations regarding Atlantic seal science priorities, opportunities to increase fishing industry involvement in seal science projects, and ways to better communicate with the fishing industry and other stakeholders.

As a key first step in response to these recommendations, the Department will host a Seal Summit in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador this fall.

The Summit will broaden engagement on Atlantic seals and facilitate collaboration and discussions between scientists, the commercial fishing industry, Indigenous groups, academia, environmental non-governmental organizations, and provincial and territorial representatives on science, market development and management approaches.

The Department will also explore opportunities to work with stakeholders to further develop the market for Canadian seal products, and will continue to advance its existing science research on seals, guided by the recommendations from the Task Team.

• The Task Team is co-chaired by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and Glenn Blackwood, recently retired Vice President of the Marine Institute at Memorial University. Members have a range of expertise, including fisheries experience. They include:
o Bill Taylor, Atlantic Salmon Federation
o Laura Ramsey, PEI Fishermen’s Association
o Ginny Boudreau, Guysborough County Inshore Fishermen’s Association
o Jamie Snook, Torngat Joint Fisheries Board
o Kris Vascotto, Atlantic Groundfish Council
o Robert Hardy, Seafood Consultant
• Jocelyn Thériault from the Regroupement des pêcheurs professionnels des Îles-de-la-Madeleine was originally appointed as a member of the Task Team, [Information was severed in accordance with the Access to Information Act.].
• The objective of the Task Team was to provide input on DFO’s Atlantic seal science priorities; how to increase fishing industry involvement in seal science projects; and how DFO can better communicate science to the fishing industry. The sustainable management of Canadian fisheries is important to fish harvesters. DFO ensures that the best available science is considered when making management decisions, including the impact of seal predation.
• The Task Team focused only on Atlantic seal science activities and programs and is distinct from DFO's existing Atlantic Seal Advisory Committee (ASAC) which solicits input on seal management issues, including licensing policy, management measures, quota allocations, as well as conservation and compliance issues.
• The Task Team participated in several science information sessions on Atlantic seals in both 2020 and 2021.
• The Task Team has now completed its final report. The report offers nine recommendations to the Department regarding its Atlantic seal science priorities, opportunities to increase fishing industry involvement in seal science projects, and ways to better communicate its findings.
• DFO will continue to advance its existing science program on seals, guided by the recommendations from the Task Team, and will look at ways to incorporate industry in its activities.
• As a key first step in response to these recommendations, the Department will host a Seal Summit in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador this fall. The Summit will broaden engagement on Atlantic seals and facilitate collaboration and discussions between scientists, the commercial fishing industry, Indigenous groups, academia, environmental non-governmental organizations, and provincial and territorial representatives on science, market development and management approaches.
• The Department will also explore opportunities to work with stakeholders to further develop the market for Canadian seal products, and will continue to advance its existing science research on seals, guided by the recommendations from the Task Team.

Seal Management
• The Government of Canada is committed to supporting a sustainable, humane and well-regulated seal harvest that supports Canada’s Indigenous, rural and coastal communities. The harvesting of white coats is illegal in Canada and has been since 1987.
• Six species of seals are found on the East Coast of Canada (bearded, grey, harbour, harp, hooded and ringed), but only three species are harvested commercially (grey, harp, and hooded). The annual commercial harvest in Quebec and Atlantic Canada is predominantly grey and harp seals.
• DFO’s approach to seal management is the same as it is for all fisheries: to ensure that populations remain healthy.
• Grey and harp seal populations are in the healthy zone at 424,300 and 7.6 million animals, respectively.
• DFO does not assign a Total Allowable Catch (quota) for the Atlantic seal harvest, as participation in the seal harvest, and the market demand for seals, is low. The number of animals harvested continues to be well within sustainable levels.
• A licence is required to harvest seals in Canada. In order to obtain a licence, harvesters must complete mandatory training to ensure that seals are harvested humanely. In 2021, 4,832 commercial seal licences were issued in Eastern Canada

Canada’s seal market
• DFO is committed to maintaining existing markets for Canadian seal products and supporting the development of potential new markets.
• DFO will explore opportunities with stakeholders and partners, including the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, to further develop the market for Canadian seal products
• Projects to further develop the Canadian seal product market may be eligible for funding through the Canadian Fish and Seafood Opportunities Fund and the Atlantic Fisheries Fund.

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