Seal hunt slow this year: DFO

Poor ice and lack of demand for seal pelts are combining to keep the number of seals harvested off the coasts of Newfoundland and Labrador low this year.

Only 20 per cent of the 2010 quota — 57,000 seals — has been harvested since the hunt began in early April, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans said Wednesday.

Only about three or four vessels have been taking part in the hunt each day, DFO said.

Several year ago, sealers were earning up to $100 per seal pelt, compared to as low as $15 per pelt this year.

When pelt prices are high, the quota is reached in a few days.

The hunt is expected to continue until late next month.