WSPA, HSI, Bont voor Dieren and Respect for Animals have just released a report carried out by Economists at Large looking at the economics of seal watching and seal hunting in Namibia.
The report examines the economics of the two seal based industries in Namibia: seal hunting and seal watching. The report aims to compare and contrast the economics of the two industries that both rely on populations of Cape fur seals along Namibia’s extensive coastline.
Seal hunting is undertaken annually in three locations; Cape Cross, Wolf Bay and Atlas Bay. The industry had an estimated landed catch value in 2008 of USD$513,000 from 58,000 pups and 5,500 adult seals slaughtered.
Seal watching is a popular tourism activity undertaken by around 10% of total tourist arrivals to Namibia – just over 100,000 people in 2008. Of the tourists undertaking seal watching, approximately 70% are international arrivals. Based on 2008 figures, the industry generated just over USD$2 million in direct tourism expenditure.
The chart below shows the industry revenue for seal hunting in Namibia:
Industry revenue from seal hunting and seal watching in Namibia
The chart below shows the industry value chain for seal hunting in Namibia:
Industry value chain for seal hunting in Namibia
The chart below shows how tourism impacts on the Namibian economy:
How does tourism impact on the Namibian economy?
Download the full report here.
In the media:
WSPA website
A comprehensive study on ‘The economics of seal hunting and seal watching in Namibia’ commissioned by international animal welfare organizations, including WSPA, demonstrates that seals are worth far more alive than dead.
HSI website
New economics study confirms Namibian seal watching is worth 300 percent more than seal hunting.
“Economische studie bevestigt: Zeehondentoerisme in Namibië levert 300 procent meer op dan de Zeehondenjacht.”
“Economics Report Confirms Namibian Seal Watching is Worth 300 Percent More than Seal Hunting.”
