Fw: Seal Products and Markets

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>From the Canadian Sealers Association website:

http://www.sealers.nf.ca/index.html

 

 

SEAL PRODUCTS & MARKETS

 

Historically, the processing and marketing of seal products have been

determined by the demand for oil and pelts in the European and United States

marketplace. Products and values have had major shifts because of consumer

preferences, protests by animal rights groups and the imposition of trade

sanctions by various countries. Processing of oil and pelts declined

dramatically following the market collapse of 1982-83. Meat processing on a

commercial basis has always been minimal since consumption is restricted to

the domestic market in Atlantic and Arctic Canada especially in

Newfoundland. Seal oil products were processed to the primary stage and

exported for further processing into machinery lubricants, edible oil

products and cosmetics. Pelts were processed in the raw state to be made

into various leather and fur articles of clothing. Final processing of pelts

for various fur and leather craft items has been a growing industry. Meat

was primarily frozen or canned for human consumption but the greater

percentage was eaten fresh or processed for personal use. Two trade

sanctions had major impact on the seal product market. In 1972, the market

for seal products in the United States ended since the Marine Mammal

Protection Act prohibited the import of any seal part or product. As a

direct result of negative publicity and intense lobbying by animal rights

groups, Canada's largest market, the European Community, banned the import

of whitecoat and blueback (young harp and hood) seals in 1983. These two

events, while devastating, did cause a positive review of products and

markets. During the past decade research and development has accelerated and

new products and markets have been developed. A commitment to full use of

the animal has prompted governments, the academic community and private

enterprise to focus upon increased processing and the new marketplace.

Improved handling and processing of fur and leather have occurred and a

significant market breakthrough has occurred in China. Oil is rich in

Omega-3 fatty acid and amino acids and the refining of oil is continuing and

offers some real possibilities in the health industry. Memorial University

of Newfoundland researchers have found harp seal meat to be higher in

protein, hemo-proteins, vitamins and minerals but lower in fat and

cholesterol than other red meats. Products from seal meat including surimi,

sausage, pepperoni, salami, other foods and protein powder for use as

additives, extenders and blenders in meat products or as protein supplements

have been developed. The key to the future seems to be the development of

markets for the new and improved products. Since 1993, it has been

encouraging and since secondary and final product processing can be achieved

in Atlantic Canada, the economic benefits can be considerably enhanced.

 

A list of products can be found at http://www.sealers.nf.ca/producers.html