Opinions of Newfoundland Sealers on the State of the Sealing and Fishing Industries

This study assessed the perceptions about the state of the sealing industry and the impact among licensed sealers and owners of licensed fishing vessels of the U.S. consumer boycott of Canadian seafood products.

In general, survey respondents perceived the Newfoundland fishing industry to be in a state of decline, with half stating that the decline is “significant.” Nearly 80% of respondents say they are aware of the U.S. seafood boycott, with more than half (56%) feeling as if they have been negatively impacted by it.

Approximately two-thirds of respondents expressed concern about the impact of the boycott to date, with about 60% believing that it will negatively impact the Newfoundland fishing industry moving forward. Two-thirds of those who had an opinion believe that the dollar value of the seal hunt will not improve from 2009, while one-third believe it will decline significantly in upcoming years.

Half of the respondents who had an opinion were open to a proposed federal buyout of the commercial sealing industry.