The fisheries union is calling on the federal government to accept the recommendations of a task force on seals, and get on with the job of gathering more information on seal diet and predation of fish.

The Atlantic Seal Science Task Team Report makes nine recommendations, including one to reduce trade restrictions for seal products such as fur garments, meat and oil. There will also be a seal summit this fall in St. John’s

Union President Keith Sullivan says harvesters are deeply frustrated with the lack of consideration for seals on predation for important species like capelin and northern cod. Sullivan says, year after year, natural mortality from predation remains the largest factor in the health of valuable fish stocks.

The FFAW accuses DFO of dragging its feet on conducting science on seals and spokesperson Courtney Languille says the recommendations made are similar to those raised by the union last year.

She says there are huge gaps in the science on the impact of seal predation on fish stocks. She calls this the first step in a number of steps that need to be taken.

Sullivan says it’s time that seals be recognized as a valuable resource that has the potential to address global consumer needs.