Seal products banned in the European Union

In the first large move ever made to protect seals from the barbaric yearly hunt that has been threatening their populations and their very existence for hundreds of years, the European Union has completely banned the purchase, sale, or transport of any seal products in any of its 27 countries.  Canada and the supporters of the seal hunt are already preparing their plans to contest the decision.  The 550-49 vote with such a huge majority has little chance of being appealed.  The law goes into effect before the seal hunt begins for next year, so maybe Canada will call the whole thing off if they are not able to sell the products (which have little to no market outside of Europe).  Source: European Union Bans Trading of all Seal Products.