ST. JOHN'S, N.L. - The Newfoundland and Labrador government is criticizing the federal fisheries ambassador for acknowledging that animal rights groups have made strides in their campaign against the commercial seal hunt.
Provincial fisheries minister Tom Rideout is accusing Loyola Sullivan of exhibiting "an unnecessarily negative attitude'' and not recognizing the progress his government has made in defending the hunt.
"We were astounded and surprised at the view taken by the Canadian ambassador for fisheries conservation,'' Rideout said in a statement Friday.
"It is never too late and this is quite a defeatist attitude for an ambassador to take when the issue is still very much ongoing.''
Sullivan, who attended a gathering of about 100 sealers Tuesday, told reporters it's difficult to overcome the anti-sealing lobby now because their message has acquired a strong foothold in Europe.
Despite rising opposition in Europe, Rideout said the province has successfully promoted the industry.
Belgium and Holland have approved legislation banning the sale of seal products, while Germany, Italy and Austria are drafting similar legislation.
The European Union is also facing pressure to adopt its own ban.
The hunt for harp seals on the Atlantic coast usually begins in late March or early April, depending on ice conditions.
In 2006, the hunt generated $33 million in landed value, according to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.
