09 mar Agreement on the Conservation of Seals in the Wadden Sea
The Agreement on the Conservation of Seals in the Wadden Sea, also known as the Wadden Sea Seal Agreement, is an international treaty aimed at protecting the seal population in the Wadden Sea region, which spans from the Netherlands to Denmark.
The agreement was signed in 1990 by the governments of Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands, as well as the European Union. Its primary objective is to ensure the long-term conservation of the seal population and to promote sustainable fisheries practices in the region.
One of the key provisions of the agreement is the establishment of a Joint Monitoring Programme, which allows for the collection of data on the seal population and their habitats. This data is used to inform management decisions and to identify areas where conservation measures may be necessary.
The agreement also includes provisions aimed at reducing the impact of human activities on the seal population, such as regulating the hunting of seals and reducing the risk of entanglement in fishing nets. In addition, the agreement promotes public awareness and education about the importance of seal conservation.
Since the agreement was signed, the seal population in the Wadden Sea region has shown signs of recovery. However, there are still challenges to overcome, such as new diseases and the effects of climate change, which can impact the seals’ habitats and food sources.
As such, ongoing monitoring and conservation efforts are crucial to ensuring the long-term survival of the seal population in the Wadden Sea region. The Wadden Sea Seal Agreement represents an important step forward in the effort to protect these iconic animals and their unique coastal ecosystem.