The marine biologists studying our ocean’s ecosystem have been quite clear that this proposal to cull seals to protect cod is absolutely not supported by science (“Sealfall: Licence to cull,” Feature by Linda Pannozzo, November 15). It is time to stop the insane scapegoating of seals for problems in the fisheries which we are responsible for. This proposed cull is nothing more than another taxpayer-funded subsidy for the sealing industry. —posted by Michael John at thecoast.ca
Over the years I’ve listened to fishers blame everything and everyone but themselves for the collapse of the cod fishery. How about taking ownership of the fact that they fished the cod to near-extinction? Culling the seal population might make them feel like they were doing something constructive to bring back the cod, but in reality it’s just more of the same kind of thinking that got them into this mess in the first place. —posted by Commandante Esposito
I applaud Linda Pannozzo for this well-researched and thought-provoking article. The decision of the Senate Committee to approve a grey seal cull is politically motivated with no basis in science. The proposal for a bounty is further proof this is nothing more than a make-work project for sealers disgruntled with collapsed world markets, clamouring for the federal government to do something. —posted by bridget.curran.5
