Remarks on Eskimo Sealing and the Harp Seal Controversy

Abstract

Considers the importance of the seal harvest to Eskimos of Alaska, Canada and Greenland and gives statistics on catches, prices, incomes and costs of modernization of the seal-hunting industry. The catastrophic decline of sealskin prices and buyers boycott beginning 1965 as a result of the controversy over killing methods of harp seal pups has destroyed a viable industry badly needed in an economically depressed region. Eskimos seldom encounter harp seal pups, and use humane killing methods.