VANCOUVER—A British Columbia group wants to revive the seal and sea lion hunt on the west coast, provoking a debate about the controversial practice and prompting scientists to warn of consequences for the ecosystem. Andrew Trites, who oversees the marine mammal research unit at the University of British Columbia, said perceptions about rising seal and sea lion populations are skewed. He said the seal and sea lion populations were historically decimated, not balanced, by overharvesting after Europeans arrived in North America. On Tuesday, the Vancouver Aquarium issued a statement saying it was treating a seal that was shot in the face. “The broader ecosystem is always a consideration and what impact something like this is going to have on it,” she added.

Source: thestar March 07, 2019 17:45 UTC