Namibia recently announced plans to reduce 80,000 seals this year, a decision met with opposition from animal rights groups. The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources argues that reducing the seal population is necessary to maintain ecological balance and protect Namibia’s fishing industry, which contributes significantly to the nation’s economy.
According to Annely Haifene, executive director of the marine ministry, the seal population has grown from 1.3 million to 1.6 million over the past three years, indicating a healthy marine ecosystem. However, this increase poses challenges as seals compete with the fishing industry by preying on fish stocks.
Haifene also highlighted difficulties in the seal harvesting market, noting low demand for pup products and economic challenges in selling adult seals.
The main market for seal pelts and food products is China, but demand has fallen due to an international ban on seal fur.
Last year, the allowable catch for seal pups was set at 80,000, but only 3,764 were harvested, which is just 5% of the target. Companies had more success with adult seals, catching about 3,100 out of the 6,000 allowed.
Haifene pointed to animal rights groups as the reason for the low harvest numbers.
Naude Dreyer from Ocean Conservation Namibia contended that the ministry’s attempts to reduce the seal population are counterproductive. He explained that removing the largest bulls disrupts the group’s harem structures. Typically, a big bull oversees up to 50 females and fights other bulls to maintain control. Removing these bulls allows younger males to take over mating.
Namibia is the only country in the Global South where seal harvesting occurs. Other countries that engage in seal harvesting include the United States, Canada, Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Finland, and Sweden.
Namibian seals inhabit three colonies along the country’s 1,500-kilometer (932-mile) coastline.
This year’s harvest, which concludes in November, is anticipated to be lower than last year’s due to reduced global interest in seal products.