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OTTAWA (AFP) — The second phase of Canada's annual seal hunt began on
Wednesday with a kill quota of 63,500 seals set by authorities, amid a
down market for their pelts.

The commercial hunt resumed along the west coast of Canada's island
Newfoundland province and Quebec's lower north shore, said fisheries
department spokesman Phil Jenkins.

But strong winds and freezing rain slowed the hunters, he said.

Previously, 19,411 seals were slaughtered in the southern Gulf of
Saint Lawrence. Local aboriginals also met their full quota of 1,650
animals.

The main hunt is to start April 15 off the northeast coast of
Newfoundland, with some 188,600 seals expected to be slaughtered
during this last phase, for a total seasonal kill of 338,000 animals.

The International Fund for Animal Welfare said it welcomed news of
fewer sealers taking part in this year's hunt due to a "lack of
markets for seal fur."

"Of course we are pleased," IFAW researcher Sheryl Fink said in a
statement. "If market conditions ultimately lead to the demise of this
inhumane slaughter, that's fine by us."

According to the IFAW, seal skin prices have fallen to 15 dollars (12
US) from 100 dollars (81 US) in 2006.

Jenkins dismissed the price drop as "cyclical."

Canada's Fisheries and Oceans department valued the Canadian seal hunt
at seven million dollars (six million US) last year, down from 12
million dollars (10 million US) in 2007 and 33 million dollars (27
million US) in 2006.

The seals are hunted mainly for their pelts, but also for meat and
fat, which is used in beauty products.

Environmental groups last month condemned Canada's decision to boost
its annual quota for seal hunting to 338,000, an increase of 55,000
animals over last year's quota.

The groups warned that with an expected European ban on any seal
products, the increase makes little sense.