THE HUNT
Posted on March 31, 2008 - Filed Under Charity, HSUS, Modeling Q & A, NB Videos, Nigel Barker Today, Photography, Studio NB, Travel Shoots
The day of the seal hunt approached and we all went to the DFO (Department Of Fisheries and Oceans) to get our permits. We were informed by the HSUS that it would be a long and arduous task but it actually went very quickly and easily. At least we thought it had…….. The following day Friday the 28th the hunt began and although we had been promised permits to observe the hunt by the DFO, that morning we were told that they had been revoked as the weather was bad and not enough sealing boats had traveled out and the DFO only allows a certain number of permits depending on how many Sealers there are! Of course we freaked out. We had 4 helicopters on stand by, a Zodiac boat and a spotter plane combing the frozen ocean looking for Sealing vessels etc. The DFO weren’t allowing any of the HSUS, International Press or my crew permits to view the hunt even though it had started. Now let’s make one thing clear – it is not a privilege to observe the hunt it is our right under Canadian law, these were simply delay tactics in an effort to thwart our attempts to document the hunt and inform the world of what was actually happening. It was really a stupid move on their behalf as it looked really bad. We managed to get US Senators, Members of The European Parliament and influential Canadians to call and demand that we be permitted post haste.
Well they then buckled under the pressure and gave us permits 6 hours after the hunt had begun and right when a snow storm blew in……. meaning our helicopters couldn’t go out and we once again had to wait until Saturday. Now in previous years the HSUS would get their permits issued the day before the hunt ( and you need a new permit for each day of the hunt!) but the DFO would only permit us for the rest of the hunt in the morning of each hunt day at 11 am so we missed 4-5 of hunting every day…..
I am getting ahead of my self here – On Friday as the snow storm moved in we decided to relocate to Sydney, Nova Scotia to be closer to the seal herd and thus the hunt. That meant a grueling 7 hour drive in treacherous conditions arriving in Sydney at midnight.
On Saturday morning we all learnt of the death of 4 sealers whose boat capsized in the icy waters off Sydney and of course our hearts and condolences go out to their families. It unfortunately demonstrates how dangerous it is for sealers as well as seals out there. If the Canadian Government banned the hunt all of this unnecessary death and misery could end.
So on Saturday at 11 AM, permitted and eager to document the hunt we set off in our helicopters. We took the doors off the helicopters in order to get better photos although with it well below freezing you certainly get very cold very quickly! I also had to bring extra long lenses as we are not allowed to get closer than half a nautical mile to the seal boats. After about thirty minutes of flying we came across several sealing boats stuck in the ice ( last year the Canadian coast guard spent millions of dollars getting sealing boats out of the ice……). We then as luck would have it came across the notorious Jean Mathieu sealing boat. The same boat that tried to ram the HSUS on previous years and whose crew are reportedly merciless. It was of course heart breaking to photograph them bludgeon the young seals . The seals would be basking in the morning sun and then out of nowhere like ninjas the sealers would pounce on them and beat their brains out. Sadly we rarely saw them check to see whether they were dead before spiking them with the hakapik and dragging them still alive and writhing around in agony to the boat to be skinned…… This once beautiful frozen world was turned into a bloody mess, it was like viewing a horrific execution over and over again except the victims were guilty of no crime……… I have not put up any of the gruesome shots that I took as they would be too upsetting to most readers. I will be having a traveling exhibition of my photos and a the documentary that we shot of our two weeks on the ice. There you will be able to see the glorious birth of the white coat Harp seals and the celebration of life that is the largest marine mammalian birthing grounds on earth. You will see the ragged-jackets ( the seals as they loose their white fur) and the beaters ( the name given to the seals aged 2-3 weeks once their white fur is shed as they tend to beat around in the water as they learn to swim). And of course in a separate room will be photos from the hunt, so if you are feeling brave you can see the massacre on the ice that happens every year off the coast of Canada. Of all the seals I saw killed not one was more than a few weeks old – they were all young “beaters” . Their name is sadly apt……
We can stop this hunt once and for all this year. The EU is voting on a European ban and hopefully with my photos and video footage they will be able to see just how dreadful the hunt is. Don’t forget to sign the pledge at
and avoid Canadian sea food at restaurants and at grocery stores. That will put pressure on the DFO economically and help show them we mean business. As humans we need to treat the animals we share this planet with respect. This sort of barbarism was not excusable hundreds of years ago when we first came to the Americas and started clubbing seals – I think we all hope we have moved on since then in many respects………..
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24 Responses to “THE HUNT”
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NIGEL!! You are so brave to take pictures of these babies. I enjoyed the before pictures of the precious babies. I’m just so sad and this hunt really makes me so depressed. I dont know how else to help these babies. But I want to thank you and the rest of HSUS for your hard work. I too want to see this barbaric hunt come to an end. I have already contacted various tourism offices within Canada and told them I will NOT be visiting Canada till the hunt is banned.
Quite an adventure you and your team have been having. Thanks again for stepping up to the plate and letting the world know about this cruel hunt.
Be sure to let us know when we can see your photos and documentary. I can’t say I will enjoy seeing the bloody injured/dead seal pictures. However, I do believe that they should be seen so that the world, myself included, could see with our own eyes what you saw during the hunt.
Again, thanks to you and your team and much thanks to Cristen for letting you go up there as she must be worried sick while you are up there in Canada.
much love!
You are an inspiration Nigel. Amazing cause, amazing mission and amazingly powerful imagery. Let me know if you need my help in any way with this.
MA
Thank you for writing about this. Perhaps we need another Buddha to be born, to stop the violence.
Hello Nigel,
Your pictures of these baby seals are stunning!
I couldn’t watch the footage of the actual hunt without chills running down my spine and my eyes watering up..
Incredible that some people still come up with excuses to continue this brutal kind of animal abuse!
I respect your participation in trying to put a stop to this!
Kind regards,
Richard Heezen
The Netherlands
I live in Nova Scotia and I still think this is not necessary:( So brutal and cruel. Thank you for photographing. I hope the people that can do something will. Thanks Amanda
Thank you so much for going out and photographing this horror. I know I wouldn’t be able to do it….I would have to many tears in my eyes. I hope the traveling exhibition propels more people to take action against this horrific practice. I also hope the exhibition gets somewhere near me so I can go view it. Although I am not sure I am as tough as Sumita, who posted before me, and will be able to view the pictures of the actual beatings.
Bless you and all who are trying to make this practice a thing of the past.
Nigel, thank you so much for documenting this tragic event. I am so glad that someone with influence and means to make such a difference is working hard with the HSUS to stop the hunt. I do what I can, donate money, boycott Canadian sea food, and spread the word about what’s happening — but sometimes it feels like I don’t have the power to make a real impact and stop the tragic slaughter that is going on. But people like you give me hope that my support is really going towards something great. The fact that you are risking the harassment, physical threat, bitter cold, and dangerous weather to take these pictures and document this tragedy is really touching. I have read about participants in the hunt making it very dangerous for those who go to protest and record the events. The fact that a celebrity and fashion photographer is risking so much, and not just giving money (which IS a great thing for celebs to do), but REALLY taking part in this protest is so moving. I mean, donating your time and using your celebrity to raise awareness was great, designing the T-shirt to raise money and spread the word was really important — but actually going through much to witness and protest the hunt yourself? That is so beyond the call of duty, and so noble, I just really want to say how moved I am and how proud I am to be united in this cause with someone so giving and compassionate.
The slaughthering of baby seals has to be shown to all people in evey corner in the world. It just can’t continue happening.
I donnot understand what people do in the name of “fashion”, “globalization” and “development”. When is about killing animals, deforestation and enviromental contamination, these words are synonym of destruction. It really hurts me deep inside to see this pictures and videos, all that cruelty and evil caused by human beings.
We need to take action but insted of saying it, we need to start acting. It’s not hard, Nigel makes a wonderful contribution by letting the world know about this (God bless you for your help)and what are we doing really?
Yulieth G.
Les envio un saludo especial desde mi bella Colombia.
You are amazing, Nigel…..this is the best assignment you’ll ever have and we know you’ll show the world the truth; that it is bloody, callous and needless in this century when there are viable alternatives for the fishermen to supplement their income..and no one needs to wear fur, real or not.
Be strong for all of us who can’t be there but are 100% behind you and the observers. I read your blog and the HSUS blog every day, hoping (for naught, I’m sure) that they’ve called the season closed.
Nigel, thank you for providing the world a glimpse into the life and death of these beautiful creatures. It’s amazing how many people still don’t realize this is happening. But I know your vivid and powerful images are reaching the masses, telling the seal’s story. You’re doing a truly remarkable thing here.
God Bless you and your crew during your trip. And thank you for speaking for those that can’t.
Cheers!
Hey Nigel!!!
you are doing an amaizing job !!!
I’m Canadian, and against this horrible hunt…
we have been (the charity group that I love -Aequo Animo- and I) protesting in the streets of Montreal to show our disapproval, but nothing is being done.
I think, as a celebrity, you can reach to so many, and being part of one of the biggest reality show of the moment ANTM, you can do so much, you could propose to do an episode on the hunt or something and do a photoshoot where the girls would be dress or look like seals and people would be chasing them to kill them with baseball bats…anyways that was just a thoughtthe fashion industry is in a way an horrible industry because they are the one using the most of animals
they test comestics products on animals (l’oreal, covergirl, Unilever, procter and gamble, etc.), they kill them to have their skins and leather, etc, I guess you know all of that
sorry if I made some mistake french is my mothertongue
keep up the good work!!!
we can save the animals from dying an awful death!!
lots of love mate !
cheers
Em.
I hate this hunt every year! It saddens me so deeply. I am so glad that Nigal Barker is there and documenting this horrific slaughter to bring awareness to the public and to help stop it. Why is it that this is not at all documented on the american media? I have not seen one news broadcast or any show commenting on what is going on right now? I have even emailed broadcasters and not received any responses. If more people know the more we have a chance at stopping it! The power to stop it is in the people and to Nigal who I respect so much for being there to make awareness. Thank you Nigal!
Dear Nigel,
What brave and strong souls you all are…
(Rebecca and all of the animal friends that are out on that ice are!) The cruelty is chilling and senseless, it brings tears to my eyes every single year. It must stop and you are all making such a difference. The video footage and photos that you have taken are amazing. I have a very heavy heart for all of you that have to witness this event, unable to intervene. I cannot imagine having to do so, but what a difference that people like you make in this world. There are people who feel the exact same way and it was well said, as a mother I feel the same way about not wanting my own child to grow up in a world where such cruelty is taking place. Words cannot express my support, nor my sincere gratefulness to all of you. I thank-you for being so brave!
Jennifer Cartwright
Nigel, thank you so much for spending so much of your own time to document this horrific act so that it can be put to a stop. You are an angel.
Hi!
I’m an animal advocate in Puerto Rico I have been reading about the hunt for years now. And every year I send out letters from the Humane Society to friends so they can sign pledges and we donete what we can. But now I see so many people getting involved and I am really inspired by everyone and what they are doing. And you Nigel for documenting this hunt means so much, this should really make a difference. Thank you and everyone else who has done something against this cruelty.
And Nigel you said you were going on a tour with your photographs of the hunt could you specify where? Make a stop in Puerto Rico. Alot of people here don’t have any idea of what is going on in Canada. More should be known about this horrific cruelty. Again thank you, Lissette
I was on the HSUS site and was looking at the t-shirts and saw a photo of two men with seal shirts on and I thought the one looked familiar. I was pleasently surprised to find out that it was Nigel. It is a wonderful thing that you are doing. I am a long time animal activist and the seal slaughter has been my number one fight. Thank you so much for being on our side. It must be very difficult watching the brutality on the ice and photographing it. I always watch America’s Next Top Model and I must ask, how do you feel about the use of fur in some of the photo shoots, do you protest? Some of it is fake, but some of it looks like the real thing. Again, thanks for all you do, I really appreciate it. Keep it up!!! Fur is dead. God Bless.
Nigel-I want to thank you for what you are doing to help open ALL eyes to this horror. I truly believe that by working together and making others aware of what continues to happen each year, we can end this cruel practice.
Many thanks!
Not going to lie to you, I think you should have posted ALL the photos. I understand they are severely upsetting but I feel that people seeing what is really taking place will motivate them to do more about it. It makes what is going on more real than just hearing about it.
I really appreciate a celebrity doing something and getting the word out.
Thanks
[...] letters from the Humane Society to friends so they can sign pledges and we donete what we can. …http://www.nigelbarker.tv/blog/2008/03/31/the-hunt/Red Ink Studioshttp://www.redinkstudios.com/?page=donateForum B92 > THIS IS MY AMERICA… two [...]
Thank you, thank you! As a Canadian I have attended every single protest against sealing in out Nations Capital (were I now live). I actually attended my first protests at age 11! (16 years ago)
I hope and pray along with my peers that when my generation come into parliament we will be able to make the right decision. And I am sure that I speak on behalf of the majority of future Canadian politicians that, this will come to an end.
The money and research our government has spent alone in the past decade to keep the “Hakapiks� (which all other sealing countries have banned!) and train the sealers to hunt by “code�. Could have replaced the amount of money our country makes from Sealing!
Thank You. We need much more exposure on this on a world wide basis. Because of protest, boycotts and exposure each year our government has reduced the total allowable catch of hunting.
With every click of your camera you have gave a future seal a chance of living a long and beautiful life.
Greatfully Yours,
Jane
As a Canadian, I’m embarrassed that such brutality could take place in my country.
As a Naturalist and lover of all things wild and beautiful, I am saddened that such untimely and unnatural deaths need to be considered or happen at all.
And, as a fellow photographer and artist, I truly believe a picture can tell a story, say a thousands words and educate the world of the good, bad and ugly that takes place from all four corners of the globe.
From the beginning, if humans didn’t interfere with mother-nature, the natural balance between earth bound creatures would never sway or become unbalanced. Culling of one species or another would never exist. Unfortunately this is not so, and controlled hunts for various species can be found and documented all over the world today. The difference you ask? Other controlled hunts are more humane, less barbaric, and maybe – to some extent – less documented in the media. Non-the-less – this does not make it right.
I support Nigel, and all the other celebrities that have the global exposure to place pressure on our government to make changes. Not just for this particular important issue, but all issues that effect our environment and the global citizens that reside within it. I wish some day I too can have such a powerful voice.
In the mean time, I do what I can, in my small way, because every small gesture adds up and DOES makes a difference.
I continue to shoot the world around me, to document and tell a story. I keep myself informed and educated of important matters and support those that do not result in harm or injustice. I pledge money to organizations that do make a difference and volunteer my time and efforts to make small changes for the good.
Toni
It’s heartbreaking. Without people like you…documenting these cruelties, people would never know.
Thanks, Nigel.
[...] ice bergs in Canada several times now to document the baby seals after they’re born and to then document their slaughter. What he has witnessed no human should ever see and no animal should ever [...]