seal meat back on Canadian menu
OTTAWA (Reuters) - Canada's parliamentary restaurant will be serving seal meat on Wednesday in a gesture of defiance aimed at a European Union ban on imports of seal products.
Canada's Conservative government says it will fight the EU ban, which was imposed last July on the grounds that the annual seal hunt off the east coast was cruel and inhumane.
A dish of double-smoked bacon-wrapped seal loin in a port reduction will be on the menu on Wednesday, the office of Senator Celine Hervieux-Payette said on Monday.
"All political parties will have the opportunity to demonstrate to the international community the solidarity of the Canadian Parliament behind those who earn a living from the seal hunt," she said in a statement.
Ottawa says the hunt -- which takes place in March and April -- provides valuable income for Atlantic fishing communities. The seals are either shot or hit over the head with a spiked club called a hakapik.
An aide to Hervieux-Payette said that, depending on supplies, seal meat could be available once a week when in season.
Adam Gallash
Posts: 15665
Date Joined: 29/11/05
hmm
People's culture is such a difficult one. I think a few people need to see PeteD's seal video to change their minds.
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timetofish
Posts: 4
Date Joined: 25/02/10
To me it isn't a problem
To me it isn't a problem with them eating seal meat. It has been a part of their culture for centuries.
It is not a lot different to us eating kangaroo.
The two issues for me are:
1. The method used to kill the seals
2. Is the seal population endangered - with limited season I doubt it.
scotto
Posts: 2474
Date Joined: 21/04/08
yeah, but.......
A dish of double-smoked bacon-wrapped seal loin in a port reduction does sound pretty bloody good!!!
I'd try that for sure!!
HuggyB
Posts: 2515
Date Joined: 03/08/08
variety
thats what life is all aboot eh?
The Terrorist - coming to a fishing spot near you.........
Freo_Boi
Posts: 266
Date Joined: 23/02/10
looks nice!
I wonder what they taste like.. I wonder if that seal loin was a typo and they meant sea lion
.Though the killing methods sound nasty
Although a seal hakapikebab might go offsunshine
Posts: 2696
Date Joined: 03/03/09
Whats the difference
Between that and a stun gun used in abbatoirs - seen plenty of them misfire
And the worlds population of seals in on a distinct increase (all species) since widespread hunting was outlawed. I am very much for conservation but I eat meat and fish and recognise the need for a balanced approach - who here is prepared to starve to death.
I do take issue with lies however - the japanese are NOT researching anything in relation to whales other than how much they can get for the "byproduct of their reasearch" whale meat. Hell why don't they simply admit they like to eat it, have eaten it traditionally (though from LOCAL waters not the Antarctic) and be permitted to harvest from traditional areas ..............
Thats my two penneth for what it is worth - and when I go to Alaska / Canada next year you can bet I will eat seal it if it is on the menu - I'll let you know how it tastes but I bet it is "fishy"
trailcraft_tony
Posts: 75
Date Joined: 15/12/09
Not sure how to word this
Not sure how to word this but hopefully it doesnt come out the wrong way but here goes.
Its funny how we can point fingers at them but yet if your an indigenous australian you are able to kill turles and dugongs for tribal festivities.
Its funny what we consider acceptable, its all personal opinion of what right and wrong and customs.
hlokk
Posts: 4293
Date Joined: 04/04/08
As far as I know,
As far as I know, Aboriginals can only hunt and kill turtles and dugongs if done in the traditional way, and commercially selling the meat is not allowed.
With the Canadian seals, I dont know if it is only indigenous canadians who are doing it, but two differences between how it is here and there is that they can use modern tools (guns) and the meat can be commercially sold, so the two situations arent identical.
Not saying i'm siding either way, just pointing out a difference.
dumper
Posts: 1027
Date Joined: 03/04/08
Seen plenty of dugong and
Seen plenty of dugong and turtle killed with star picket spears, spose its still a spear, not a traditional one
Lucky Tim
Posts: 2536
Date Joined: 28/11/07
only if you call tearing
only if you call tearing around after them in runabouts with outboards "traditional".
They have no bag limits, though they don't sell it, it normally all gets divvied up to whoever is on the beach. I've tried both and they are tasty although turtle is nicer, dugong is like a pork chop except the fat part is the same size as the meat part.
81macca
Posts: 270
Date Joined: 02/07/09
mmmm might head down to seal
mmmm might head down to seal island with the base ball bat. Seal loins on the BBQ!
I actually fish.
scottscurious
Posts: 236
Date Joined: 17/03/09
hope i get invited to the
hope i get invited to the BBQ!! always wondered what seals tasted like
Trousersnake
Posts: 172
Date Joined: 20/12/09
Im Canadian and a chef
I have never eaten or used seal in any of tha restaurants I worked in. I am however from tha West coast and tha above article is East coast. So maybe it's more commom over there.
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