Like most places that are way out, imagine what the price of food and any items imported are, and the lack of job opportunities.
So hunting flipper can put a lot of food on the table and/or provide a lot of income.
It's like the harp seal hunts the St. Lawrence which provide up to 40% of those communities' yearly income.
The "activists" are mainly city dwellers imposing their views on a tiny, ethnically distinct rural minority.
To quote “Getting Gay With Kids” from South Park....
You only fight these causes, ‘cause caring sells
All you activists can go (blank) yourselves