Canadian Sealers in Newfoundland Ice Floes -Trapped

Some 20 crew members have been taken off four vessels trapped in the ice fields off Newfoundland and Labrador. And more evacuations are likely.
Local fishermen say the ice conditions are the worst they've seen in more than 20 years.

"Groups protesting Canada's commercial seal hunt have pulled out of Newfoundland, bringing an unusual calm to the annual slaughter despite fears it would be one of the fiercest in years."

Fisheries and Oceans Canada has opened the hunt to 350,000 harp seals this year, saying that the total harp seal population, at 5.2 million seals, is strong enough to withstand the hunt without ill effects.

The Canadian Sealers Association says that the harp seal population is healthy and abundant and has nearly tripled in size in 35 years. By comparison, it was 1.8 million in 1970. Sealers need the money, the association says, and each seal pelt is selling for a top price of C$65.