Mainstream media outlets are reporting that four seal hunters have drowned off the coast of Newfoundland after their trawler capsized in the ice.
The Canadian Navy states that the three bodies have so far been located with one still missing presumed dead.
Footage obtained from the hunt has shown the hunters ignoring guidelines on animal welfare distributed by the Canadian government, seal carcasses have been left on the ice, whilst some reports are emerging on seals being skinned alive despite a ban on the practice. Further reports of malpractice and illegal activities are still incoming.
The direct action conservation group Sea Shepherd is expected to arrive off the coast of Newfoundland within the next day, despite threats from the coastguard warning of arrest. Sea Shepherd founder and director Captain Paul Watson has this to say:
"The Minister is making some very irresponsible statements here. Canada has no right to restrict entry of a foreign registered ship into the 200 mile economic exclusion zone when said ship is not engaged in economic activity. The Farley Mowat is a Dutch registered yacht crewed by international volunteers, none of who are paid to be on that ship. The ship has the right of passage and that is guaranteed by international maritime law. We suggest that the Minister consult with his attorneys before making further threats"
With the prospects of a European seal pelt ban looming and increased pressure by activists, it is only a matter of time before the hunt is finally stopped. By hitting the sellers of this product the hunt can effectively be bankrupted.
The Canadian Navy states that the three bodies have so far been located with one still missing presumed dead.
Footage obtained from the hunt has shown the hunters ignoring guidelines on animal welfare distributed by the Canadian government, seal carcasses have been left on the ice, whilst some reports are emerging on seals being skinned alive despite a ban on the practice. Further reports of malpractice and illegal activities are still incoming.
The direct action conservation group Sea Shepherd is expected to arrive off the coast of Newfoundland within the next day, despite threats from the coastguard warning of arrest. Sea Shepherd founder and director Captain Paul Watson has this to say:
"The Minister is making some very irresponsible statements here. Canada has no right to restrict entry of a foreign registered ship into the 200 mile economic exclusion zone when said ship is not engaged in economic activity. The Farley Mowat is a Dutch registered yacht crewed by international volunteers, none of who are paid to be on that ship. The ship has the right of passage and that is guaranteed by international maritime law. We suggest that the Minister consult with his attorneys before making further threats"
With the prospects of a European seal pelt ban looming and increased pressure by activists, it is only a matter of time before the hunt is finally stopped. By hitting the sellers of this product the hunt can effectively be bankrupted.
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