Many hunters from fishing (communities) in eastern Canada didn't even bother taking their boats out for this year's seal (hunt). The market price for a seal pelt is around 12 US dollars, a steep decline from a (peak) of 100 dollars a pelt a few years ago. The seal quota had been set at 273,000, but this year those who (ventured) out barely took 70,000.
The depressed value of the Russian rouble and the (subsequent) erosion of one of Canada's largest markets for seal products, is partially to (blame) for the decline in numbers. China is another major customer, also reeling from the global recession.
But it's clear that the (prospect) of a European Union ban on seal products and growing international disdain for the hunt is becoming a major (factor) in its near collapse. The European parliament passed the ban in May, but it still needs the backing of EU governments. That is expected to be a formality.
Canadian fisheries officials (admit) that they have an uphill battle in what has become an emotional international (debate). Animal rights groups have successfully campaigned for decades against the seal hunt. The (annual) kill has been a source of critical seasonal income for fishing communities already hit hard by dwindling fish (stocks). But some here are wondering if this could be the beginning of the end for the centuries-old practice.
Lee Carter, BBC News, Toronto
