An iconic Victoria tradition for both tourists and locals alike could soon become illegal.
The Department of Fisheries and Oceans says it intends to make it an offence to feed seals – including the ones that call Fisherman’s Wharf home.
The seals have become a significant tourist draw at the wharf, with families and tourists flocking to feed the animals, especially in the summer.
The DFO says while it’s fun to toss food to the seals, it’s not harmless.
“There is a concern that the repetitive exposure and interaction with humans may interfere with their natural, normal life processes,” said fisheries officer Mya Cormie. “It could also cause habituation, and it could also potentially harm individual animals.”
The Marine Mammal Regulations currently prohibit the disturbance of marine mammals, but the DFO says feeding seals is a gray area.
It’s now proposing amendments to the regulation that would clearly prohibit feeding seals and other marine mammals – not only because of risks to the animals.
“We do know that there have been incidents in the past where people have been bit by seals because of the seals becoming familiar with humans,” Cormie said.
Tourism Victoria said it’s not concerned about the possible rule change, because tourists will still come to the wharf regardless.
“I don’t think it would hurt us at all…it’s certainly not a tourism draw or decision-maker,” said CEO Paul Nursey. “Fisherman’s Wharf itself is one of our tourism assets among many, and then it’s one of those things that people enjoy when they get there.”
But the owner of one of the restaurants at Fisherman’s Wharf that sells fish to feed the seals told CTV News he’s upset because the animals do generate a fair amount of foot traffic.
Another local business at the wharf agreed, saying losing the ability to feed the seals while hurt his bottom line.
“It would definitely affect us greatly,” said Romesh Espinoza, owner of Puerto Vallarta Amigos. “ We would lose a lot of business. The kids, they love to come here.”
The DFO won’t say when the changes could go into effect, but the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority, which owns the wharf, says it has already briefed tenants about the possible change.
