Fishermen Convicted of Improperly Harvesting Seals
Duncan Sharpe of Gander, Kevin Blackler of St. John’s, and Richard Worthman of Heart’s Delight were convicted for improperly harvesting seals in accordance with humane harvesting requirements under the Canadian federal Fisheries Act.
Sharpe and Blackler were convicted in Gander Provincial Court on October 21. They have each been fined $1,250 to be paid within six months and forfeited 11 Harp seals. The offences occurred on April 30 in the Twillingate area.
Worthman was convicted in Harbor Grace Provincial Court on November 5. He has been fined $1,000 to be paid within six months, and forfeited a clubbing device and seal pelts valued at $154.25.
As part of its ongoing commitment, the Government of Canada strengthened the Marine Mammal Regulations in 2009 to formalize humane harvesting practices that are already well-established in the Canadian sealing industry. In particular, the three-step process is in keeping with international scientific standards and provides for a safe and humane harvest. Training on the three-step process became mandatory in 2014.