The past year has seen some forward motion for animal rights activists--like CGG fave Hayden Panettiere-- who are fighting to end seal slaughter, but new reports show that there is still a long way to go.

About 90,000 seals, mostly babies or “pups,” are expected to be killed in Namibia’s yearly seal hunt. Traditionally, seals are used for skin, fur, meat and medicines in Asia. The Namibian government also argues that killing seals helps to protect the fish population.

Animal welfare groups have been fighting the commercial seal industries in many countries, arguing that seal hunting is inhumane and no longer needed, and Namibia is one of the only countries that still has a commercial seal industry. In Europe, there is a European Union ban on importing seal products and in Canada, the seal hunt is decreasing each year.

The commercial seal hunt season starts in July and continues through November.

Want to fight for the rights of animals? Find out how you can protect your furry (or wet!) friends.