The culling of the seal population is both humane and necessary, according to Timothy Everest, past chairman and current spokesman for Hong Kong Fur Federation.

According to Everest, the hunt keeps the seal population healthy, ensures they have enough food, and protects the endangered Atlantic cod.

"There are 9.5 million harp seals, that is four to five times the number there was in the 1970s. If you ask International Union for the Conservation of Nature, this is one of the animals in the world that they are least concerned about because it is so abundant," said Everest.

"It is the targets of these seals which cause most concern, the Atlantic cod. These seals eat a tremendous amount of fish, around 500,000 tones of cod every year, whereas the quota for the fishing industry is 22,000 tons. The net result is that Atlantic cod is an endangered species. With or without the fur industry there is going to be a cull in Canada because there has to be."

Everest said misinformation by animal campaigners had led the public to believe it was the fluffy white baby seals which were slaughtered, when this was not the case. The killing of "white-coats" was banned in 1987 and a seal had to be more than one month old and independent of its mother before they could be killed.

Everest said the Canadian government should be applauded for creating trade from a necessary cull.

Hazel Parry

(HK Edition 01/21/2011 page4)