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Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Seals

Document type
Multilateral
Field of application
Regional/restricted
Date
Jun 1, 1972
Source
IUCN (ID: TRE-000042)
Title (French)

Convention pour la protection des phoques de l'Antarctique

Title (Other)

Übereinkommen zur Erhaltung der Antarktischen Robben

Place of adoption
London
Depository
United Kingdom
Language
English, French, Russian, Spanish
Entry into force
Mar 11, 1978
Subject
Wild species & ecosystems, Sea
Keyword
Hunting/capture Protected area Hunting gear/hunting methods Biodiversity Total allowable catch Marine mammals Protected animal species Data collection/reporting Seasons Monitoring Marine resources management Hunting authorization/permit
Geographical area
Antarctica
Abstract

Objectives: To promote and achieve the protection, scientific study and rational use of Antarctic seals, and to maintain a satisfactory balance within the ecological system of the Antarctic. Summary of provisions: (a) Applies to seas south of latitude 60° south, to five species of seals and to all southern fur seals (art. 1); (b) Annex contains specific measures adopted by the parties. Parties may also take measures relating to permissible catch, protected and unprotected species, open and closed areas and seasons, designated areas where seals are not to be disturbed, types of gear, etc. (art. 3); (c) Parties to exchange information among themselves and through the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research of ICSU. (Source: UNEP Register of International Treaties and Other Agreements in the Field of the Environment, 2005)

Comment

This Convention relates to all species of seal in the sea south of 60° South. The Convention contains a prohibition on the killing or taking of seals otherwise than in accordance with the Convention, which confers absolute protection on some species. The Convention, in respect of those species which may be taken for the purposes of conservation, scientific study and rational and humane use of seal resources, imposes limits on the permissible catch, provides for close seasons, prescribes killing zones, seeks to promote research into appropriate methods of taking, provides for the setting of size limits for seals which may be taken, provides for the imposition of limits to the sealing effort which may be deployed, etc. The Convention also provides for States Parties to maintain catch data and other statistical and biological records and for the review and assessment of scientific information. Provision is also made for an inspection regime to ensure compliance. The Parties must exchange scientific information with one another and with the Scientific Committee for Antarctic Research. Information must also be given on national legislation passed in pursuance of the Convention. SCAR is required to assess the information it receives and to make recommendation for further scientific work. Notwithstanding the protection accorded by the Convention, provision is made for the taking of limited numbers of seals under a special permit system in order to provide 'indispensable food' for men or dogs, for scientific research or other educational or similar purposes. In the event of renewal of commercial sealing, provisions govern the control of such operations and the securing of proper scientific advice.

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Website
treaties.fco.gov.uk

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Argentina
Australia
Belgium
Brazil -
Canada -
Chile
France
Germany -
Italy -
Japan
New Zealand - -
Norway
Pakistan -
Poland -
Russian Federation
South Africa
United Kingdom
United States of America

* [1] Ratification [2] Accession/approbation [3] Acceptance/approval [4] Succession [5] Consent to be bound [6] Definite signature

Other references

Literature
8 records related to this treaty. View literature