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28. September 2004  
Green light for seal-hunting tourists

sel.jpgThree years ago Minister of Fisheries Svein Ludvigsen, dreamed up the controversial proposal to let tourists come to Norway to shoot seals. The idea is now nearing the end of its political treatment and the program can start when the ordinary hunting season next begins early next year, newspaper Dagsavisen reports.

Although seals are not the most mobile target, rough seas can make aiming from a boat difficult.

Norway's fishery authorities consider coastal seals a problem for the fish population and the fishing industry and Norwegian hunters do not bag their quotas - so the idea of seal-hunting tourism was born.

When the Norwegian hunting season begins tourists can participate as long as the chase is part of an organized package. It is not yet clear if visitors must Norwegian shooting tests to get permission to hunt.

Norway's tourist industry fears that this controversial offering can give the country negative publicity. Hunt organizers are convinced that there is great interest abroad for seal-hunting but more conventional tourism promoters are reluctant to give the activity too much publicity.

Environmental groups are highly skeptical. Rasmus Hansson of the WWF (World Wildlife Fund) said that the hunting quotas were too high and reflected an overvaluation of fish populations.

"Importing tourists to solve an alleged problem seems to be a parody," Hansson told the newspaper.

Truls Gulowsen, campaign leader at Greenpeace, said the idea was 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.

Via Aftenposten News in English.

Environment [22:59]


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