IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare) has a team of observers who will document the 2012 commercial seal hunt in Canada

Editors: Still images and broadcast quality video b-roll related to Canada's commercial seal hunt are available and seal hunt observers are available for media interviews.

(London – 11 April, 2012)

What: IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare) has a team of observers who will document the 2012 commercial seal hunt in Canada. The Total Allowable Catch (TAC) has been set by Canada’s Department of Fisheries and Oceans at 400,000 harp seals. It is expected that a significant portion of the TAC will be taken this year, since the provincial Newfoundland government has loaned private Norwegian seal processor, Carino, £2.25 million in bailout money to purchase seal skins from hunters and put them into stockpile.

– IFAW has a team of a professional video cameraman and a photographer who will document the hunt.
– Images and video will be delivered via www.ifawimages.com as they are obtained.
– Journalists can register to access 2012 commercial seal hunt visual assets at www.ifawimages.com
– For direct links to visual assets, please contact Michelle Cliffe, IFAW Global Communications Lead, Seals +1 647 986 IFAW (4329)

Where: Northern Gulf of St Lawrence and the Front, Newfoundland, Canada

When: The commercial seal hunt in the Northern Gulf region began on 10 April and the Front is expected to open on 12 April.

IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare) was established in 1969 and its founding campaign was in opposition to Canada’s commercial seal hunt. IFAW has more than 40 years of experience raising awareness, documenting and opposing the cruel commercial hunts for seals in Canada and around the world.

For more information or to arrange interviews please contact Amanda Gent at IFAW on 020 7587 6725 or email agent@ifaw.org.

Alternatively to schedule interviews with IFAW observers, please contact Michelle Cliffe, IFAW Global Communications Lead, Seals, on +1 647 986 4329 or email mcliffe@ifaw.org.