Seal hunt starts in Norway

Norway’s seal hunt is underway, with the first foreigners arriving in the coastal community of Vega to take part in the hunt.

Local supporters of the hunt, who hoped the hunt would attract tourist money, are disappointed because only about 18 foreign seal hunters have signed on.

Maritime authorities in Norway gave a green light to the seal hunt at the end of January, despite a massive international protest.

“The biggest response has come from the media,” seal hunter and outfitter Roger Eidem told the national Norwegian broadcasting company earlier this week.

“The Norwegian seal hunt has received as much attention as a state coup would. The worst is that it’s being portrayed as barbarian, especially in the foreign press. It’s been said we beat the animals with picks that were used in the old days, and that we kill newborn seals.”

Greenpeace had threatened to mount protests over this year’s seal hunt, but in Vega they’ve seen no signs from Greenpeace yet.