The commercial spring seal hunt was one of Newfoundland and Labrador's most dangerous and demanding industries in the 19th century.

The first sealing vessels from St. John's sailed to the ice in 1793. Following their successful expedition, the sailing seal fishery expanded rapidly.

From the arrival of Europeans until the 20th century, Newfoundland was valued mainly for its rich marine resources, especially cod.

The bulk of seals taken annually in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and off the eastern coasts of Newfoundland and Labrador are Greenland seals, or harps.