Seal hunting, or sealing, is the personal or commercial hunting of seals for their pelts, blubber, an meat; as well as to ensure the population does not reach levels that would threaten other species. The hunt is practiced in five countries: Canada, where most of the world's seal hunting takes place, as well as Greenland, Namibia, Norway, and Russia. Seal hunting is an important source of income and food in small coastal communities where other opportunities are limited.