Thin ice, caused by global warming, threatening Harp seal pups and other wildlife.

02/08/2007 00:00:00 February 2007. A new scientific report reveals global warming is resulting in dramatically reduced ice coverage in the Gulf of St Lawrence and off Newfoundland. In 9 out of the last 11 years, average ice coverage has been well below the average of the last 37 years, resulting in increased mortality of harp seal pups.

Dr David Lavigne, IFAW Science Adviser and co-author of the report, said ‘The action required is a drastic reduction in the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) of harp seals, this will demonstrate that Mr Harper’s Conservative (Canadian) Government has the political will to meet the challenges of global warming and make a positive contribution to marine mammal conservation.’

For too long the Government has refused to take a precautionary approach in its attempts to manage Canada’s commercial seal hunt. Since 1995 the TAC has increased while the ice cover has decreased. The 2006 TAC was set at 335,000—85,000 higher than the ‘sustainable yield’ estimated by the Government’s own scientists.

‘This sort of management decision defies logic and is not based on any modern conservation principles,’ said Dr Lavigne. The imminent TAC announcement will reveal the true conservation credentials of this Government and would be the first step towards ending the cruel and unnecessary Canadian seal pup hunt. IFAW remains committed to ending Canada's commercial seal hunt because of its unacceptable cruelty.

UK Environment Minister, John Baird has stated the Government will take ‘real action’ on global warming.

Report courtesy of IFAW