When Marcelo Hoynowski learned about the cruel seal hunt that takes place every year in Canada, he decided to do something about it. So this New Jersey eighth-grader started his own website to spread the word. For his efforts, he recently received the 2007 International Action Award from the International Fund for Animal Welfare.

What inspired you to get involved in the fight against the seal hunt?

When I was 8, I read a magazine article called "The 100 greatest  tragedies in the world." It showed how brutal and gruesome the seal hunt is. Initially, I just passed the word around to my family and friends at school, and I sent letters of opposition to the Canadian government .

Then four years ago my mother gave me a book called Priceless, by Bradley Trevor Greive, where I read about many different animals who are on the list of endangered species. (This book is one of the most inspiring and enjoyable books I have ever read. The photography in it is amazing and Mr. Greive definitely has a way with his words. This is a must-read and I think it should be a required book for schools throughout the world to read instead of many other required books that have no appeal to students. In addition, on the inside cover it reads, "BTG is donating all his author royalties from the worldwide sales of Priceless to his principal wildlife conservation charity, the Taronga Foundation.") Anyway, after reading this book, I was so inspired that I started a small campaign with my family and friends to donate some money to the Taronga Zoo, particularly to a very special resident in the zoo, the Sun Bear. Because of my passion for the harp seals I decided that I needed to concentrate all of my efforts on one animal, and I went back to the harp seal campaign.

What kind of work have you done against the seal hunt?

I created a website, http://www.mypointis.net/, to inform people about the seal hunt and how to help end it. At the beginning , it wasn't big at all; it was just some facts on the seal hunt and some pictures. But every day I try to improve it and make it easy for people to navigate. I also try to get the facts as accurate as possible. I understand that it's a big responsibility and I want my website to speak the truth.

I also have the first "New Jersey Walk for Seals" planned for March 15, 2008, to coincide with the International Day of Protest against Canada's seal hunt. 

UPDATE 3/17/08: Marcelo says, "The walk went great! We had people from all over New Jersey and New York. Some people drove over three hours to be there. Many kids showed up with posters and there were people of all ages. It was a great day (although kind of cold). I got 212 signatures in my petition and over $500 in donations. Some people came for a few minutes and left because of the cold weather; some people didn't feel like doing the walk but showed up to support the cause. I'm very happy with the results and I'm sure next year we're going to have more people coming!" Click here for a slideshow of the event.

Do you ever face criticism or opposition to your views? How do you deal with it?

Yes, I ignore it! I receive many emails from people in Canada. Some people are respectful and they just send their opinion, and I'm ok with that—everybody has the right to believe what they wish and to stand up for their beliefs. But some people are plain rude and some emails are completely inappropriate. I'm only 14 and I've been called names and been insulted by these people many times. I try to always put myself in their shoes too. It's complicated, because the Canadian government needs to stop the seal hunt and at the same time help fishermen bring some extra income home. Sealing is an off-season activity for them, it only counts as 3% to 5% of their annual income.

What advice would you give to other teens who want to get involved?

Get the facts and inform others. The most important thing is to get the facts as straight as possible. Knowledge is power.

What other animal issues concern you?

I'm concerned about the conditions of some dogs living in shelters who are killed inhumanely, some with electric shock because the shelters don't have enough money to afford euthanasia; animals killed for their skins to make expensive coats  so some rich ladies can wear them; whaling; and animals suffering after natural disasters, like hurricanes and earthquakes. Animals also need our help. People tend to concentrate on humans and forget that each time nature strikes animals are left behind. They also need food, water and shelter. The list of animals suffering is just too long, and one individual can't do it all.

What are your future plans for helping animals?

I would like to keep on hosting the seal walk every year in order to reach more people. I would also like to keep on working on my website and make it bigger and better, with more information.