The much-maligned seal hunt had actually been going on in that area with those methods for several hundred years. (There was a *brief* period with more advanced techniques, but those aren't the infamous pictures with clubs.) Archeological evidence indicates that before the Irish settled Newfoundland, the Innuit had carried on the hunt, and they arrived along with the climate that made the ice floes convenient for seals.

Since the hunt was stopped the seal population rather unsurprisingly shot through the roof. A few years later the Grand Banks fishery collapsed. One of the main culprits? Those cute seals were eating as much fish as the combined fisheries had been taking! Not the only cause of the disaster, but a rather significant factor.

The moral is to be sure you have your facts straight before casually insulting entire countries...

(As someone who is genuinely interested in the environment, I have often found that "hot button" environmental initiatives are simply wrong.)-:

Oh Tilly lighten up! I am not insulting Canada (but will if you want me too) or Canadians (of which I have relatives) I was only making a joke. No need for the PC police.


Thank you for sharing your knowledge of this cute but deadly predator. And to think I always thought it was the Trawlers raping the Oceans - thanks to you I now know its Sammy the Seal! (Luckily for us the Innuit's came along just in time to save Grand Banks Fish for us)

BTW Barndoor also enjoys Badger baiting, Cock Fighting, Hare Coursing and Whale Spearing. In fact he's so busy that it is only the Tiger testicle Chinese Medicine that lets him sleep easily.

Thanks Jonathan, glad to see I'm admired and exhalted by my peers :-) Satan's secret little helper.

You forgot barndoor also likes Donkey Rides, Elephant tusk collection & Bear baiting.
Mustn't forget Bull Fighting, and rides on the London Underground.

Kevman