Seal Harvest Observers - Quick Facts

Every year the Canadian seal harvest attracts observers. The following facts concerning the observation of the harvest give an accurate portrait of the observers’ rights and responsibilities.

• Observers have been and will continue to be able to monitor Canada’s seal harvest.
  
  
• Every year, permits are made available through the department of Fisheries and Oceans to persons interested in observing the seal fishery through the local DFO offices.
  
  
• It is recommended that anyone who wants an observation permit contact DFO in advance to find out the details for the application process and to ensure that there is sufficient time to process the application for the permit.
  
  
• Seal observation permits are valid for one day and can be renewed on a daily basis.
  
  
• In 2009 DFO made amendments to the Marine Mammal Regulations (MMR) with respect to two sections involving the Minister’s authority to grant seal fishery observation permits.
  
  
• The MMR stipulates that the observer rules apply to the entire harvest, no matter where it is taking place: observers without a permit must stay at least a half nautical mile away whereas, with a permit in hand, the distance is 10 metres.
  
  
• All permit holders must abide by the conditions of their permit. Fishery officers and other government agents will be at sea, in the air and on the ice monitoring the activities of sealers and persons with observation permits.
  
  
• Violations of the conditions of observation permits could result in warnings, or charges under the Marine Mammal Regulations.