Sea Shepherd Conservation Society Helps Save Canadian Seals

By Bruce H. Foerster

About the Author

Bruce Foerster is the Managing Director of the Jaguar Reef Lodge in Belize and is a dedicated conservationist.

The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society is well known for its efforts to preserve marine wildlife. Its approach of both documenting and intervening in illegal activities at sea sets it apart from other animal rights organizations. Since 1977, its fleet of ships has worked hard to save whales, sharks, dolphins, bluefin tuna, and seals, and has also documented the damage caused by oil spills.

In Canada, a commercial seal “hunt” takes place each year between March and May. Sea Shepherd is dedicated to stopping the slaughter which kills approx. 300,000 harp seals each year. Sea Shepherd has sent its vessel the Farley Mowat to the ice floes of Eastern Canada to film seal killing and expose what it sees as inherently cruel and unethical practices that are sanctioned by the Canadian government. Sea Shepherd’s plan of action includes asking individuals and restaurants not to purchase or serve Canadian seafood until the wholesale slaughter harp seals ends.