Día Mundial contra la Matanza de Focas 2025

Today, March 15, naturalists, conservationists, supporters, and environmental activists celebrate today World Day Against Seal Slaughter 2025 to raise awareness of the risks facing this species of marine mammals, currently in danger of extinction.

This event is intended to make visible the cruel killing and capturing of seals for their skin. Cowardly Seals are pinniped mammals belonging to the Phocidae family.

These marine mammals have very short fur, a thick layer of fat under the skin that serves as thermal protection, and lack external ears. They have elongated, streamlined bodies adapted for swimming; their front limbs are short and flattened, used as swimming flippers.

Meanwhile, their hind limbs are oriented backward and not functional for movement on land, a feature that sets them apart from otariids (fur seals and sea lions).

Most of these species inhabit the cold regions of Antarctica, as well as coastal areas around much of the world, excluding tropical regions. Seals communicate by vocalizing and grinding.

The respiratory and circulatory systems of phocids are adapted to allow them to dive to considerable depths and spend extended periods underwater between breaths. They are severely threatened with extinction due to illegal hunting, habitat destruction, and marine pollution.

Threats

Seals are particularly vulnerable to epidemics, exacerbated by sea pollution. They also suffer from melting sea ice due to global warming, which especially impacts their breeding habits. They are preyed upon by predators like orcas, sharks, or polar bears. Many die from asphyxiation after getting entangled in suffocating fishing nets or plastic bags.

But the most serious threat they face is the bloody hunting practiced by humans. Every spring, over 350,000 seals die on sea ice off the east coast of Canada. And all of this is done with the consent of the Canadian government. Of the 18 seal species worldwide, 14 are endangered according to the IUCN Red List classification.

Unnecessary Cruelty

Seal hunting is age-old. It was particularly practiced by the Inuit, a native people of the Arctic region. But today, it has become a problem for the survival of the species.

In addition to alarmingly reducing their population, the capture of these animals is done in a very bloody manner because, to cut the skin properly, the animal must be alive. And another «tradition» is killing their pups, including the young ones.

Six species of seals are involved in this massacre: harp, hooded, gray, ringed, bearded, and common seals. Cosmetic products are made from their oil and fat. Coats, footwear, and other items are made from their skin. And their blubber is highly sought after by local communities.

Seals vs. Fishermen

On one hand, organizations like Ifaw or Greenpeace, born in Canada and always against the brutal seal hunt, continue their fight. Thanks to their efforts, countries including the European Union and the United States have banned seal hunting or trade.

In fact, countries that still permit hunting now have regulations on this issue. There are also nations like China that, instead of banning them, open their market to seal products.

On the other hand, there are fishermen who blame seals locally for contributing to declining fish stocks. This has been proven false, as seals are vital for maintaining the marine ecosystem’s balance.

In fact, seals play a crucial role in the food chain. Without them, the availability of fish, which is a lifeline for coastal communities, will decrease.