Role of Fisheries Officers and the Canadian Coast Guard During the Seal Harvest

Fishery Officers monitor the seal harvest to ensure sealers comply with Canada's Marine Mammal Regulations. DFO’s monitoring and enforcement is augmented as needed by the RCMP and the Quebec Provincial Police. The Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) provides ship and helicopter support.

The priority of the Canadian Coast Guard is the safety of life at sea and when life is at risk in distress situations, it will do everything in its power to save lives.

• The Canadian Coast Guard Fleet

Videos

• Seals can only be harvested using a regulated instrument approved by the Marine Mammal Regulations
• The harvesting of harp seal pups known as white coats, or blue backs (the hooded seal pups), is illegal in Canada and has been since 1987
• The Canadian seal harvest is rigorously monitored
• Fishery officers use a variety of assets to monitor the seal harvest