Gallery of "nuisance seals" killed by Nova Scotian fishermen
Numbers of "nuisance seals" killed in Nova
Scotia, and elsewhere in Canada, are unknown because there exists no recording
or reporting requirement for fishermen who kill them. From the frequency of
carcass sightings, it seems that the numbers killed may be considerable.
However, the impact of this activity on the seal populations is unknown.
Tourists from other countries are often shocked and disgusted to see dead seals
littering the otherwise attractive coastline of Nova Scotia. In the neighbouring
United States, and in European countries, seals are generally protected from
deliberately being injured or killed by people. Most developed countries no
longer accept the myth that killing seals will enhance the health of fish
stocks.
Click on small photos below to view
larger images
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Grey seal carcass at Prospect, N.S. |
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A common shoreline discovery in recent years, fishermen who shoot "nuisance seals" are not required to retrieve the carcasses. Rotted beyond where seagulls will touch it, approach a dead seal in this condition from upwind only...because the stench can be overpowering.
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Adult grey seal |
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Killed by fishermen, shot or entangled in fishing gear. Beer can tucked under flipper.
(Photo: COHPS) |
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Adult harbour seal |
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Killed by fishermen, likely a "nuisance seal."
(Photo: COHPS) |
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Floating carcass, probably a grey seal |
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An unpleasant sight - and smell - encountered too often by visitors to Nova Scotia who pay for eco-tours by sea kayak. Undoubtedly a "nuisance seal" shot by fishermen. |
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...Another seal carcass |
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On a short kayak excursion in Halifax County, during summer 2003, three seals in this condition were encountered along less than one mile of coastline. |
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Atlantic cod and harbour seal |
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Although predator and prey, these are not natural "enemies." Seals and cod both fall prey to humans... sometimes both dying on the same hook. Unexpectedly, the net end result is that the ocean itself loses strength.
(Photo: COHPS) |
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Photos courtesy
Canadian Ocean Habitat
Protection Society.
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