When the EU first banned the import of the products of seals under the age of one year, back in 1983, there were 1.8 million seals. Lack of a large-scale harvest for pelts has now resulted in this unprecedented ecological disaster. Canada's fishermen have had a hard time finding markets for any seal products…although pelt prices have improved over the last several years, despite the ban, with extension of sales into the Orient.

Now, there is a product that could increase the harvest to levels that managers would feel are sufficient to bring the herd back down to a level more compatible with the ecosystem. The product is seal oil capsules, to be taken for relief of arthritis, and for improvement in arterial blood flow and general cardiac health. Seal oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and is now known as a "nutraceutical", which means a natural product that is marketed for human consumption.

Although there are efforts to convince the US Congress to amend the Marine Mammal Protection Act so that this product could be legally imported, the chances of this happening, especially in an election year, are not good. Yes, the product shows promise of being a medically approved substance. Yes, the seal herd is so massively huge that the sale of several thousand tons of seal oil would have a beneficial environmental impact.

The "environmentalist" and animal rights lobby is working hard to make sure that American legislators are aware of the threat they pose to their jobs, should they ignore the hype and decide to honor Canada's request to open America to products of this over-abundant marine mammal. Seals have been hunted humanely, with adequate law enforcement and scientific oversight. They are so numerous that they are their own worst enemies. They could provide people in America and Europe with a valuable fur and leather product, as well as with the demonstrated health benefits of seal oil's omega 3's.

IWMC supports Canadian efforts to persuade the American public and the US Congress that harp seals are an abundant, safe, very useful, and professionally managed resource. A renewed harvest is the only way to bring these animals back into balance with the fish, the krill, the seabirds, whales, and people in the western Atlantic. Good luck, Canada.