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. Full text English Spanish Website treaties.fco.gov.uk Country/Territory/Participant See Expanded View Show Map Countries Entry into force Ratification * Simple signature Argentina Mar 11, 1978 Mar 7, 1978 [1] Jun 9, 1972 Australia Jul 31, 1987 Jul 1, 1987 [1] Oct 5, 1972 Belgium Mar 11, 1978 Feb 9, 1978 [1] Jun 9, 1972 Brazil Mar 13, 1991 Feb 11, 1991 [2] - Canada Nov 3, 1990 Oct 4, 1990 [2] - Chile Mar 9, 1980 Feb 7, 1980 [1] Dec 29, 1972 France Mar 11, 1978 Feb 19, 1975 [3] Dec 19, 1972 Germany Oct 30, 1987 Sep 30, 1987 [2] - Italy Apr 2, 1992 Apr 2, 1992 [2] - Japan Sep 27, 1980 Aug 28, 1980 [1] Dec 28, 1972 New Zealand - - Jun 9, 1972 Norway Mar 11, 1978 Dec 10, 1973 [1] Jun 9, 1972 Pakistan Apr 24, 2013 Mar 25, 2013 [2] - Poland Sep 14, 1980 Aug 15, 1980 [2] - Russian Federation Mar 11, 1978 Feb 8, 1978 [1] Jun 9, 1972 South Africa Mar 11, 1978 Aug 15, 1972 [1] Jun 9, 1972 United Kingdom Mar 11, 1978 Sep 10, 1974 [1] Jun 9, 1972 United States of America Mar 11, 1978 Jan 19, 1977 [1] Jun 28, 1972 * [1] Ratification [2] Accession/approbation [3] Acceptance/approval [4] Succession [5] Consent to be bound [6] Definite signature reset zoom out zoom in Other references Literature 8 records related to this treaty. View literature