ACS supports an indefinite moratorium on the harvest of harp seals.
COMMENTS
We adopt this policy due to inadequate data on reproduction/population trends and dynamics, ecology, economics, social needs, and uses.
DESIRED CHANGE:
We support an indefinite moratorium on the harvest of harp seals, funding to continue an current studies to expand, and full disclosure of all relevant financial and social aspects of the hunt.
Although existing studies might suggest that certain populations of harp seals are increasing at this time, these studies are few in number, of insufficient longevity, and may be based on questionable assumptions. Funding for corroborative studies has been cut recently before significant results could be obtained, and do not appear forthcoming.
In addition, very little objective discussion has been given to the social, economic, humane, and ethical issues involved in the hunt. In fact, ACS/National seriously questions whether the social and economic needs of the parties involved in the hunt justify any level of harvest.
