An unexpected environmental triumph at the hands of the Giant Pharmaceutical Industry, reported in the Wall Street Journal, April 25, 2001:

A recent report prepared by the Canadian government by a panel of marine experts points to another unexpected cause of the decline [in seal hunting off the coast of Newfoundland]. In the past, hunters benefited from a market for seal penises, which some Asians believe to be an aphrodisiac. The report cites "the increased use of Viagra as a substitute for seal penises."

Sales are "way down" from a few years ago, says Sang-Jo Chung, who runs an herbal-remedies shop in Toronto's Korean district. Mr. Chung points to a leathery 10-inch seal penis on display in the glass case, which he says has been sitting unsold for more than four months.

A few years ago, Mr. Chung says he would sell 20 or so penises a year, and he has had to lower the price to about $70 down from more than $103. "I think it's Viagra," he says.

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