The FFAW is launching yet another PR blitz to put the impact of seals on fish stocks back on the front burner.
The union says the facts are clear and undeniable when it comes to seals, how much fish they eat, and what they’re doing to stocks and the livelihoods of harvesters.
Unfortunately, they also readily admit action to do something about it is completely driven by politics, exacerbated and influenced by global ignorance on the issue.
To that end, the FFAW has launched a renewed effort to put some staggering facts before the public, including that since 1960, the grey seal population alone has grown from 6,000 to 400,000 today. Meanwhile, the harp seal population has gone from 1.5 million in 1965, to an estimated 7.6 million in 2008.
The union’s new 10-minute video is part of a national ad campaign that includes snippets from anti-seal hunt activist Paul Watson, who admits seals have always been an easy target and valuable fundraiser.
FFAW president Keith Sullivan says it doesn’t help that many former animal rights activists now work for the feds, bringing their perspectives and influence with them.
He notes while the science doesn’t lie regarding seals eating fish, Ottawa’s inaction continues to be based on myths and pushback from afar.
The union says it’s time Ottawa accepted the truth and acted accordingly to reduce the number of seals and encourage full utilization of the animal.
But they say it has to start at home, with a firm stance and pressure from the provincial government on the issue.