Yeah radio8, I don't think that the issue is so much about extinction. I think that I read that the federal department of fisheries and oceans has estimated the number of harp seals to be around 3 millions or so and they are monitoring the effect of the hunt to make sure that they do not become extinct. The quota for one hunting season is around 300,000.
But the hunt itself seems to be attracting the attention. I'm thinking that the white icy/snowy background is making this more dramatic than what it is. I also read that the price for a seal skin is about $75 and the whole season brings over 15 millions in revenue for the region. It's important revenue for atlantic region.
And the DFO (dept fisheries oceans) "says the club, or "hakapik," used by many sealers is "an efficient tool" that kills "quickly and humanely." The Royal Commission on Seals and Sealing in Canada found that clubbing, when properly performed, is at least as humane as killing methods in commercial slaughterhouses. Opponents say clubbing often isn't "properly performed."
I just don't think that celebrities should get involve in this. Their point of view is somewhat askew and they want to influence other nations and people to boycott our seafood products. That's ridiculous. It could affect us economically and IMHO, for no truly justified reasons.
