6 June 2024

Responding to a major outcry against cruel hunting of seals, the EU adopted a groundbreaking legislation restricting imports of seal products in 2009. This legislation is one of the key factors in the recovery of seal populations in Canada. After a decade, the European Commission is assessing whether the legislation remains fit for purpose.

Tell the EU that seals should remain protected by taking part in the public consultation.

To help you with your feedback, we’ve put together some of the top arguments why we need to uphold this landmark legislation:

The EU seal regime meets its objective of protecting animal welfare

The aim of the EU seal regime is to prevent animal welfare harm to address concerns of EU citizens. EU citizens’ desire for better animal welfare has continued to increase (as demonstrated by the latest Eurobarometer). Citizens remain strongly against cruel and unnecessary culling of seals, which is evident in typical killing methods that involve firearms, netting, trapping and the use of hakapik.

Seals provide important socio-economic and ecosystem services

We must coexist with seals. As apex predators, they play a crucial role in the trophic cascade helping maintain healthy fish populations. For instance, seals act as pest control for invasive species which have a negative impact on commercial fish stocks and ecosystems. They also bring in significant revenue for the tourism industry through wildlife observation. 

Potential impact of seals on the fishing industry can be tackled with non-lethal methods

The EU seal regime does not prevent the management of seals where necessary, but non-lethal methods are available and should be used to keep seals away from aquaculture basins or fishing nets and grounds, such as acoustic deterrents. Non-lethal management methods, such as fertility control, could be further explored. The availability of alternative methods to protect fish stocks and fishing equipment makes the commercial hunt of seal irrelevant and disproportionate. It is also essential to recall that the Regulation is not intended to protect fisheries and aquaculture. 

Trade in seal products is not sustainable and threatens fragile populations

Seal populations have significantly increased since the implementation of the EU seal regime, demonstrating the devastating impact of commercial hunting on the species. Deregulating trade in seal products would dangerously jeopardise current successful conservation efforts and undermine the protection of animal welfare. 

It is important to consider the multiple threats they are facing. Climate change and overfishing are having a major impact on seals and other marine mammals, reducing prey availability and increasing food competition. Water pollution and zoonotic diseases are other factors affecting the viability of these populations. Commercial hunting would exert additional pressure on their survival. The trade of seal products is therefore not in line with sustainability requirements, contrary to the claims of the industry.

The EU seal regime is not a ban, allowing sufficient flexibility

Regulation 1007/2009 is often referred to as the seal ban. However, the EU Regulation is not a ban on the imports of all seal products, it simply restricts it to products derived from traditional hunts, contributing to the livelihood of indigenous communities and with due consideration to animal welfare. In this context, the EU market remains open to indigenous communities who depend on seals for their subsistence. It is also important to note that the import of seal products for processing, and re-export of the processed goods, is not prohibited by the Regulation, allowing further flexibility. 

The EU must uphold its leadership on animal welfare at the World Trade Organisation 

The EU Seal Regime brought groundbreaking discussions at the World Trade Organization (WTO). For the first time ever, the WTO found that a legislation restricting trade based on  animal welfare grounds falls within the exceptions allowed under the WTO rules, as it was deemed necessary to protect ethical concerns of citizens. 

The EU seal regime had a significant impact on the welfare of seals. Following its announcement, international demand for seal products declined sharply. Reversing the regime would undermine its objectives and impact the EU’s credibility at the WTO, at a time when the EU is introducing a proposal to restrict imports of cats and dogs based on breeding conditions and contemplating more import requirements on farm animal welfare, all of which would also be justified based on ethical concerns of EU citizens.  

Tell the EU that seals should remain protected by responding to the public consultation by 7 August 2024.

Regards Mark