Watson has argued that his vessel, registered in the Netherlands, was in international waters and that Europe will be angered by Canada's actions.

Hearn said the vessel was in "Canadian territorial waters" but didn't say if it was within 12 nautical miles (19.2 kilometres) of the coastline. The minister has also said the Fisheries Act gave him the leeway to act outside the 12-mile limit.

The arrests were necessary to prevent future danger to sealers, fisheries officers and observers, he said.
THIS IS ODD CONSIDERING THE CANADIAN COAST GUARD JUST LOS --KILLED--4 SEALERS WHEN DOING A TOW OF THEIR BOAT. WHO IS DANGEROUS?