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When did commercial hunting of harp seals begin in Newfoundland and Labrador?

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A mother harp seal and a young “whitecoat.” Adult harp seals are gray with black spots. Young harp seals are called “whitecoats,” “bedlamers,” “beaters,” or “graybacks,” depending on their age. — harp seal A mother harp seal and a young “whitecoat.” Adult harp seals are gray with black spots. Young harp seals are called “whitecoats,” “bedlamers,” “beaters,” or “graybacks,” depending on their age.

The commercial hunting of harp seals in Newfoundland and Labrador began during the middle of the 18th century.1