Top Harp Seal Fishing Countries

The harp seal (*Pagophilus groenlandicus*) is a marine mammal native to the cold waters of the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans, recognized for its silvery-gray body and distinctive black harp-shaped markings on its back. Unlike fish, harp seals are targeted primarily for their fur, oil, and meat, making them the focus of a controversial commercial sealing industry. The top countries involved in harp seal harvesting are Canada, Norway, and Russia. Canada, particularly in Newfoundland and Labrador, has the largest commercial harp seal hunt, regulated by quotas and government oversight. Norway and Russia also maintain smaller, regulated hunts, primarily for local consumption and export. The industry has faced significant international criticism and market restrictions due to animal welfare concerns, leading to declining demand and ongoing debates about its sustainability and ethics.

Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.