The harbour seal (Phoca vitulina), also known as the common seal, is a widely distributed pinniped found along temperate and Arctic coastlines of the Northern Hemisphere. Unlike true fish, harbour seals are marine mammals, but they have historically been hunted for their fur, oil, and meat. The primary countries engaged in the hunting and management of harbour seal populations include Canada, Norway, Greenland (an autonomous territory of Denmark), and Iceland. In Canada, particularly in Newfoundland and Labrador, the sealing industry has long been a part of local culture and economy, though it is now subject to strict regulations and international scrutiny. Norway and Greenland also maintain regulated seal hunts, often for subsistence and traditional uses. While commercial hunting of harbour seals has declined due to conservation efforts and changing public attitudes, some indigenous and coastal communities continue to harvest them sustainably, balancing tradition with modern wildlife management practices.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Norway | 251 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.