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Marine life

  1. Marine Mammal Protection
  2. Protection of Marine Environment
  3. Marine Mammal Harassment
  4. Sealing
  1. CFHS opposes any confinement of animals that causes them physical or mental pain or suffering, or fails to meet their health, behavioural and environmental needs;
  2. CFHS believes the capture and confinement of large marine mammals does not meet these needs and accordingly causes them to suffer. CFHS is working to prevent the capture of these animals for exhibition in aquaria and similar public displays;
  3. CFHS supports all steps, including the passage of appropriate legislation, which afford greater protection for marine mammals in their natural habitat.
  4. CFHS supports and encourages public education about large marine mammals, provided such efforts do not involve removing these animals from, or disturbing them in, their natural environment or family groups.

December 1990

CFHS supports and encourages efforts, both domestically and internationally, to eliminate the discarding and loss at sea of netting and non-biodegradable materials. CFHS supports and encourages modifications to fishing gear which will reduce the hazard to marine life caused by lost nets.

CFHS recognizes and supports the activity of watching whales, including dolphins and other marine mammals in their natural habitat. Such observation develops understanding and concern for these highly developed creatures.

CFHS also recognizes the potential threat of harassment from excessive or uncontrolled marine mammal watching. Where appropriate, CFHS promotes land based whale watching as an alternative to ocean going tours.

CFHS supports the development of regulations, guidelines, and codes of conduct for the observation of marine mammals, as well as public education on behaviours of these species and their sensitivity to disturbance.

CFHS supports the creation of marine life sanctuaries wherein no activity (such as commercial activity, harvesting, tours, sport fishing, recreational boating) is allowed. Such sanctuaries would provide marine mammals and other aquatic life with places which preclude activities detrimental to such life.

January 1994

Please be advised that the CFHS sealing position is currently under review.

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