Canadian government has announced the extension of seal harvest in Newfoundland and Labrador. The sealers can now harvest till May 31 2010 to make use their 2010 allocations and provide them with an extended period of time to take advantage of potential market opportunities. Minister Shea is of view that the seal harvest brings much needed income to thousands of sealers and their families in remote communities every year.
She told that the government is determined to support these communities and ensure that they can make the best of their opportunities in these difficult economic times. As per the Marine Mammal Regulations the closing time for the seal harvest is May 15 for commercial harvesters, the closing date can be modified through a variation order to adapt to changing circumstances.
According to Shea the government has made some changes in the deadline based on ongoing dialogue with local sealers and take into consideration local environmental and biological conditions, and various other relevant factors. She added that the government will continue to support the development of new markets for seal products both at home and abroad. Minister Shea recently approved a multi-year developmental allocation of 20,000 seals per year to support value-added projects presented by the seal industry.
