The Senate Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans has recently begun a study that could result in the killing of 70,000 grey seals off Canada’s east coast.
The Fisheries Minister is pushing federal scientists to justify the slaughter of seals through contrived studies and one-sided hearings for political reasons. He has decided to ignore factors such as the impact of uncontrolled foreign overfishing in the waters off our coast and the total lack of scientific proof that seals are affecting the cod’s recovery.
The committee is considering an irresponsible cull that could have a serious negative impact on the Atlantic ecosystem and the long term health of many species, including cod. This slaughter would also result in untold costs to taxpayers and to Canada’s international reputation
The government needs to know how Canadians and people around the world feel about this indefensible slaughter.
This committee is considering a "cull" of 70,000 grey seals off Canada's East Coast. We, the undersigned, are opposed to this inhumane slaughter.
There is no strong evidence that this cull will improve cod yields. To maximize yields for the Canadian fishing industry, the committee should seek to control foreign fishing in the waters off Canada's coast.
We urge the committee to adopt a more holistic view to safeguard the health of Canada's priceless and irreplaceable marine ecosystems.
Thank you for considering our petition.
