Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Seals

Abstract

The Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Seals was adopted in 1972. Its objectives are the 'protection, scientific study and rational use of Antarctic seals, and to maintain a satisfactory balance within the ecological system'. The Convention applies to the seas of the Southern Ocean south of 60° south and to six identified seal species. The Convention covers both pelagic sealing and sealing on pack ice, neither of which arguably fall under the scope of other instruments of the Antarctic Treaty system. There are 17 parties, including 11 of the original 12 Antarctic Treaty parties, excluding New Zealand. No Southern Ocean commercial sealing was taking place at the time of writing.