The provincial government today announced $28,250 in funding for the Canadian Sealers Association — the final installment of a two-year commitment to the association of $76,250.
Eldred Woodford, president of the Canadian Sealers Association, said the funding helps support the associaton’s activities.
“Our organization plays an integral role in ensuring this industry’s survival,” Woodford said.
“We will continue to work with our partners to keep sealing issues at the forefront and to ensure accurate information is being portrayed about this safe, humane and sustainable annual harvest.”
The association was formed in 1981 in response to negative publicity about the sealing industry by some animal rights groups. The association represents the interests of more than 11,000 licenced sealers in the province and works with federal and provincial governments to jointly promote the sealing industry. Its work is primarily dedicated to promoting best practices, sustainable and humane harvesting methods, and full utilization of the harvested resource.
“The Canadian Sealers Association plays an important role in ensuring the sustainability of this important industry to sealers and rural communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Fisheries Minister Derrick Dalley.
“The overall objective of the funding announced today is to continue supporting the reorganization of the association and move its five-year business plan forward.”
i've been and still is an active sealer for 30 years it is a good and worth while fishery like any one of our fisheries the goverment should invest money because its my belief that long after the oil is pump and driled the fishery will remain a lot of people don,t like fishermen but you take the the fishermen out of newfoundland you haven got much left loves being a fisherman started when i was 15 been at it for 30 years theres lots of good food comes out of the water thank you