Ensuring a Sustainable and Humane Seal Harvest - Nunavut ...

Lawrence cod) fishery, and the 4RS3Pn (northern Gulf cod)fishery and others as deemed necessary for the purpose ofpreventing the expansion of seals into the fishery, designatedbay, or area. This measure is designed to protect spawning andjuvenile cod concentrations and prevent seals from inflictinghigh mortality.RECOMMENDATION 3The Department of Fisheries and Oceans must define all sealpopulations in northern and eastern Canadian waters,specifically ringed and hooded seals, so that the Department cangive responsible support to Canada's vital sealing industry,while protecting seal populations and the integrity of theecosystems in which they live.RECOMMENDATION 4Further, the accumulated knowledge and observations of thosewho have traditionally lived along Canada's northern andeastern sea coast and who rely upon its wildlife for survivalshould complement and strengthen modern science.Accordingly, the Department's research efforts andrecommendations must include both traditional and communityknowledge.RECOMMENDATION 5The Committee recommends that the Department of Fisheriesand Oceans, in an effort to increase its presence within thefishing communities, ensure that its scientists go into the fieldand make first—hand observations of anomalous behaviour byseals or fish, when such behaviour is brought to their attention.RECOMMENDATION 6The Committee recommends that Canada, through theDepartment of Fisheries and Oceans and the Department ofForeign Affairs and International Trade, must immediatelycommit itself to the goal of removing the trade barriers within theMMPA whereby Canadian seal products are prevented fromentering the United States. Canada must make strongsubmissions in the Committee hearing process about to be held30