Norway to approve seal-hunting tourists

SIKU CIRCUMPOLAR NEWS

Three years ago Norway’s minister of fisheries dreamed up the idea to let tourists come to Norway to shoot seals.

The program is due to start when the ordinary hunting season begins early next year, the Dagsavisen newspaper reports.

Norway’s fishery authorities say coastal seals are a problem for the fish population and the fishing industry, and, as Norwegian hunters do not harvest their quotas, the idea of seal-hunting tourism was born.

Visitors may have to pass Norwegian shooting tests to get permission to hunt seals.

But some Norwegians are worried a seal hunt could give the country negative publicity.

Truls Gulowsen, campaign leader at Greenpeace, said the proposed seal hunt is an embarrassment.

“Most of the tourists that come to Norway are interested in unspoiled nature. Many will find this loathsome. This is about attitudes and how we market this country. This hunt can be mistaken for target practice,” Gulowsen said.