Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Seals


The Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Seals is part of the Antarctic Treaty System. It was signed at the conclusion of a multilateral conference in London on February 11, 1972.
Abbreviated as the "Antarctic Seals" agreement, the convention had the objective 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 Antarctica. It was opened for ratification on June 1, 1972 and entered into force on March 11, 1978.
The 17 parties to the convention are Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Norway, Pakistan, Poland, Russia, South Africa, United Kingdom, United States. New Zealand has signed, but not ratified the convention.