Grey Seal in Atlantic Canada

Species and Area

Grey Seal competitive fleet in Atlantic Canada

Dates of season (subject to change)

The 2012 season start dates for sealing fleets will be determined through consultation with DFO Science. The commercial juvenile grey seal hunt usually runs from early February until early March, mainly along the Eastern Shore of Nova Scotia and in the Southern Gulf of St Lawrence. For more information, refer to your local DFO Area Office.

Total Allowable Catches and Sharing Arrangements

The grey seal Total Allowable Catch for 2012 will be set at 60,000 animals, which is a rollover from 2011. The Total Allowable Catch specific to Hay Island, Nova Scotia is 1900 animals, which is also a rollover from 2011.

Management Measures

The three-step humane killing process, as described in the Marine Mammal Regulations and in the sealers’ license conditions, will remain in effect for 2012. The hunt specially on Hay Island will also be non-competitive, only 20 sealers will be allowed on the island at any time, all seal carcasses and other waste must be removed and no vehicles will be used on the island.

Links to other information

Seals and Sealing in Canada
Estimated size of the Northwest Atlantic grey seal population 1977-2007