Seal Skins
Sealskins, especially the white coats of the young
ones have several applications and a good commercial
value. This is the principal reason why millions of
seals are clubbed. More than 95% of seals that are killed
in Canada are between 12 days and three months old.
At birth, the pups are covered with white fur that sheds
off as the pups grow.
The prices of pelts have grown over the years. Initially
entering the garment industry, now sealskin has found
new marketing directions. Coats made of sealskin are
sold for more than $2,000. Several companies make use
of sealskin for making pillow covers, lampshades, and
knapsacks, besides neckties, eyeglass cases and wallets.
The processing of seal pelts consists of several steps
in a lengthy process. Normally, each pelt is about 3-4
feet long and 2-3 feet wide. Initially, the pelt is
soaked in brine for several weeks before tanning. Usually,
brine can preserve pelts over several months without
allowing them to degrade. For special requirements,
the pelts are also dyed after tanning.
After tanning, the pelts are sold to brokers and eventually
routed to the countries, which import them. Some of
the prominent customers for seal pelts are China, Far
East countries, Siberia, Russia, and Western Europe.
Even after exporting, it is reported that thousands
of seal pelts in excess are still stacked in warehouses
throughout Norway and Eastern Canada.
Since 2001, the total value of seal pelt export per
year has been consistently increasing through 2005 from
CAN$185,309,841 to CAN$ 242,556,390. In fact, the value
of the sealskin export amounts to only 5% of the total
value of the fur exports of Canada. According to a claim
by Atlantic Marine products, the harvesting and processing
of sealskin has grown to be a community event giving
employment to large numbers of local residents. But
real figures report only scores of people employed in
the seal pelt processing industries.
Seal pelt can be easily replaced with several other
alternatives. Sealskin industry is not a major one though
it has grown over the years. Therefore, the contemporary
status of the sealskin industry is not a justifiable
reason to encourage sealing. With major outcries rising
throughout the world, and several countries banning
the import of sealskin, the sealskin industry is gradually
losing its popularity and the future for this industry
seems dim under the prevailing circumstances. However,
spreading the concern about saving seals far and wide
can have far reaching consequences to prevent seal hunt
for their skins.
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