Jay,
The article itself presents a non-scientific issue. The key is:
***A Newfoundland politician*** That's who Lawrence O'brien is! He's a politician.
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Politicians from all parties have been urging the department to institute further reductions, especially in light of recent reports that
estimate an average harp seal consumes more than a ton of fish annually. Department officials downplayed the seals' roles in
damaging cod population, noting that only one to two percent of the mammals' diet is comprised of cod***
It is obvious that politicians are doing what they do best. Trying to win votes among some very disgruntled fisherman.
The National Fisherman is a publication that is trying to hold onto a dying way of life. In my opinion, they are constantly, and wildly, pointing fingers to blame one thing or another for the demise of a fishery.
If the Canadian goverment is swayed enough to actually put this seal slaughter into action, it will not be the first time that they have succumbed to the masses.
It's very ironic that, through intimidation and pressure from fisherman, Canadian politicians initially were responsible for the collapse of the fishery and now are ready to blame anything they can get their hands on because it has not recovered quickly or fully enough.
By the way, think about all the revenue that a 60% increase in seal harvest would provide. No cod, flatfish, or dogfish to catch anymore, so let's switch the pressure to the seals!