National Seal Products Day is May 16th

    Friday, 2 May 2025 07:00

    By Tonya Organ

    Business developer Bill Penney says they’re speaking with markets in Taiwan, the European Union, the United Kingdom and the United States about reopening seal markets.

    On May16th Canadians will celebrate National Seal Products Day, a time to recognize the important role that sealing has in the fishery. On Bayfm’s Qalipu today, Bill Penney spoke about his role on the Seal File for the Mi’kmaq Commercial Fisheries as a Business Developer. Penney says he’s been working closely with the group for about five years around the time when they launched a seal oil capsule called “Waspu”, which is the Mi’kmaq word for seal.

    Penney says they’re speaking with markets in Taiwan, the European Union, the United Kingdom and the United States about reopening seal markets. He says it’s a slow process but other countries are buying their branded products, like Japan, South Korea, and Vietnam. This includes a new oil for pets.  

    Penney says over the last few years, Qalipu First Nation has sponsored members to become seal harvesters. He says as with many industries, the seal fishery is comprised of an aging population, so Qalipu First Nation is encouraging members to sign up this spring for the humane harvesting courses 

    National Seal Products Day was established in 2017. 

     

    To report an error, submit a news tip, or provide feedback, please e-mail news@bayfm.ca or call (709) 637-0183.

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