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Environmental Treaties and Resource Indicators (ENTRI) -- UNEP Summary File

See the ENTRI query system for information about the signatory status of this treaty.

         CONVENTION FOR THE CONSERVATION OF ANTARCTIC SEALS

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.

Membership
==========

      Open for accession by any non-signatory State at the
invitation of all contracting parties.  Instruments of accession to
be deposited with the Government of the United Kingdom of Great
Britain and Northern Ireland.

      Date of adoption           1. 6.1972
      Place of adoption          London, UK
      Date of entry into force   11. 3.1978
      Languages                  English, French, Russian, Spanish  
      Depositary                 United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland                                                                                                        and Northern Ireland

      Participant                   Signature       Ratification
                                                    Accession (Ac)
                                                    Acceptance (At)
      -----------                   ---------       ---------------

      Argentina*                     9. 6.1972       7. 3.1978
      Australia                      5.10.1972       1. 7.1987
      Belgium                        9. 6.1972       9. 2.1978
      Brazil                                        11. 2.1991 (Ac)
      Canada                                         4.10.1990 (Ac)
      Chile*                        28.12.1972       7. 2.1980
      France                        19.12.1972      19. 2.1975 (At)
      Germany                                       30. 9.1987 (Ac)
      Italy                                          2. 4.1992 (Ac)
      Japan                         28.12.1972      28. 8.1980 (At)
      New Zealand                    9. 6.1972
      Norway                         9. 6.1972      10.12.1973
      Poland                                        15. 8.1980 (Ac)
      Russian Federation*            9. 6.1972       8. 2.1978
      South Africa                   9. 6.1972      15. 8.1972
      United Kingdom of  
        Great Britain and
        Northern Ireland             9. 6.1972      10. 9.1974
      United States of
        America                     28. 6.1972      19. 1.1977

      *    Reservation or Declaration.

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