fishermen and scientists 

the devil and the deep blue sea

j ts, I have lived by the ocean all my life, have fished some as a youth, and worked with and know many fish scientists, fishing industry representatives, fishermen and animal rights and conservation folks.

As to seals, there is considerable differences among scientists, when it comes to seal diets (greys, and the more northern harp, the more abundant) and the impact they have on commercial marine fish. A book came out a few months ago on grey seals (link above) that you may find interesting,as it summarizes some of the complexities- though I realize few greys are found off Newfoundland (more to the south). The other link gives you a sense of the current mood of this cooperation.

The 80s and 90s were rough times for the relationship between fishermen, fish corporations and government in Canada. There is much cooperation today, and disputes are rare to sed in the news.