The petition alleges that there have been critical failures in the sustainable management of the Northwest Atlantic harp seal population. The petition questions whether current management practices are consistent with the Government of Canada’s legal obligations toward precautionary, science-based wildlife conservation and the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy. The petition asks the Minister of Fisheries for the reason for authorizing the commercial killing of harp seals before verifying the existence of legitimate markets for seal products and despite the population being in decline. The petition claims that regulators have failed to account for seals that are “struck and lost” and failed to apply the precautionary principle despite documented population declines and climate change–driven habitat loss. The petition further suggests that government reliance on unverified industry claims regarding market demand, humane killing practices, and sustainability has undermined transparency and accountability. The petition alleges that a downward revision in the seal population’s carrying capacity masks population risks and avoids classifying the seal stock within the “cautionary zone.”
The petition questions the Minister of the Environment, Climate Change and Nature, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Minister of Industry on related climate risks, market demand, federal funding, economic viability, and policy consistency. The petition suggests that current management appears inconsistent with Canada’s commitments to sustainable development, climate adaptation, transparency, and evidence-based decision-making.