The FFAW says the province needs more than just lip service when it comes to addressing the seal population in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Union President Keith Sullivan says they sought a commitment from each of the four major parties on action to manage and reduce the seal population “back to an environmentally sustainable level.”

The union this week released the results of a federal election questionnaire on issues of importance to the fishery.

Sullivan says seals, including grey seals on the south and west coasts and harp seals on the northeast coast, remain a significant concern.

He says the harp seals are at their highest population levels, and both species are consuming “massive” amounts of fish – far more than harvesters. He says an ecological approach has to be taken to the problem.

The FFAW says the NDP gave them a full commitment to the question, while the Liberals and Conservatives gave them a partial commitment and the Green Party did not respond.