Fishers in eastern New Brunswick are calling for the establishment of a commercial seal hunt to protect their fish catches [1].
The push for commercial rights reflects a growing conflict between the fishing industry and rising seal populations. Fishers said that seals consume a significant portion of the fish they target, which directly threatens their primary source of income and the stability of local fish stocks [1, 2].
Seal hunting has already been permitted in New Brunswick for two years [1]. While the activity is legal, current regulations limit the practice to recreational hunters. This year, the recreational seal hunt began March 16 [2].
Lobster and fishers from the Maritimes said that recreational hunting is insufficient to manage the population. They view a commercial operation as a necessary management tool to reduce predation, and ensure the sustainability of the fishing industry [1, 2].
To prepare for these activities, some fishers have sought training to obtain the necessary permits. These training sessions focus on the legal and technical requirements of the hunt to ensure compliance with provincial regulations [2].
The request for commercial expansion comes as the industry seeks more aggressive ways to mitigate the impact of seals on their gear and catches. The fishers said that without a commercial framework, the economic viability of their operations remains at risk [1].
“Fishers argue that seals consume a significant portion of the fish they target.”
The transition from recreational to commercial seal hunting would signal a shift in New Brunswick's environmental management strategy. By framing the hunt as a tool for population control rather than sport, the fishing industry is attempting to align wildlife management with economic preservation, potentially sparking a debate over the ecological balance of the Maritime coast.
