Abstract:
This convention forms part of the Antarctic Treaty System . It aims to ensure the protection and conservation of Antarctic seal populations by regulating their "taking" (which includes capturing, killing, injuring, or otherwise interfering with the animals), and by helping to preserve the ecological balance in the Antarctic Treaty area. It prohibits commercial sealing and allows limited taking for scientific, educational, or management purposes under a permit system. The convention also requires annual reporting by signatory states on the number of seals taken. It is legally binding in South Africa under the Antarctic Treaties Act No. 60 of 1996.
