CITES must now protect
cape fur seals in Namibia from extinction
Here is HOW
An urgent message from Francois Hugo - Seal Alert-SA
July 20, 2012
Appendix I lists species that are the most endangered among CITES-listed animals and plants (see Article II, paragraph 1 of the Convention). They are threatened with extinction and CITES prohibits international trade in specimens of these species except when the purpose of the import is not commercial (see Article III), for instance for scientific research. Species may be added to or removed from Appendix I and II, or moved between them, only by the Conference of the Parties, either at its regular meetings or by postal procedures (see Article XV of the Convention). The names of species in the Appendices may be annotated to qualify the listing. For example, separate populations of a species may have different conservation needs and be included in different Appendices (e.g. the wolf populations included in Appendix I are only those of Bhutan, India, Nepal and Pakistan, whereas all others are included in Appendix II). Such specifications can appear next to the species name or in the Interpretation section. For this reason, the Appendices should always be consulted alongside the interpretation with which they are presented.
In a recent scientific paper by Kirkman, Chapter 3, “Based on size estimates given in Rand (1963a, 1963b, 1972) and where necessary, area comparisons using Google Earth5, the total area of the islands where seals were known to have bred previously (Best and Shaughnessy 1979, Shaughnessy 1982, 1984) but are absent from in the present day, is approximately 1 035 ha (n = 20)
6. The total area of the islands where seals currently breed is only around 25.5 ha (n = 20)7, of which 62 % comprises Vondeling Island (9 ha) and North Reef (7 ha), islands which were only re-colonised by seals in the 1990s. Therefore, the total area of islands currently occupied by seals is at most about 2.5 % of the total area of islands they occupied historically.
Furthermore Kirkman states, “Based on the previous discussion, neither food nor breeding space was likely to have limited the seal population, historically, to levels below the current population size. Also, the seal population in the present day is subjected to several sources of mortality which would have been absent or insignificant in the pristine population. These include high mortality incurred by first year animals in mainland colonies due to terrestrial predators (Oosthuizen et al. 1997) and effects of heat stress (de Villiers and Roux 1992), ongoing sealing in Namibia with current quotas exceeding 80 000 individuals a year (Morton et al. 2007) and the numbers of seals which drown incidentally in fishing nets or are deliberately killed by fishermen, which though unknown, are thought to be significant (David and Wickens 2003). When taking all this into account, justifying reductions in seal numbers to speculation that present numbers exceed historical numbers, is unmerited”.
Appendix I lists species that are the most endangered among CITES-listed animals and plants (see Article II, paragraph 1 of the Convention). They are threatened with extinction and CITES prohibits international trade in specimens of these species except when the purpose of the import is not commercial (see Article III), for instance for scientific research. Species may be added to or removed from Appendix I and II, or moved between them, only by the Conference of the Parties, either at its regular meetings or by postal procedures (see Article XV of the Convention). The names of species in the Appendices may be annotated to qualify the listing. For example, separate populations of a species may have different conservation needs and be included in different Appendices (e.g. the wolf populations included in Appendix I are only those of Bhutan, India, Nepal and Pakistan, whereas all others are included in Appendix II). Such specifications can appear next to the species name or in the Interpretation section. For this reason, the Appendices should always be consulted alongside the interpretation with which they are presented.
In a recent scientific paper by Kirkman, Chapter 3, “Based on size estimates given in Rand (1963a, 1963b, 1972) and where necessary, area comparisons using Google Earth5, the total area of the islands where seals were known to have bred previously (Best and Shaughnessy 1979, Shaughnessy 1982, 1984) but are absent from in the present day, is approximately 1 035 ha (n = 20)
6. The total area of the islands where seals currently breed is only around 25.5 ha (n = 20)7, of which 62 % comprises Vondeling Island (9 ha) and North Reef (7 ha), islands which were only re-colonised by seals in the 1990s. Therefore, the total area of islands currently occupied by seals is at most about 2.5 % of the total area of islands they occupied historically.
Furthermore Kirkman states, “Based on the previous discussion, neither food nor breeding space was likely to have limited the seal population, historically, to levels below the current population size. Also, the seal population in the present day is subjected to several sources of mortality which would have been absent or insignificant in the pristine population. These include high mortality incurred by first year animals in mainland colonies due to terrestrial predators (Oosthuizen et al. 1997) and effects of heat stress (de Villiers and Roux 1992), ongoing sealing in Namibia with current quotas exceeding 80 000 individuals a year (Morton et al. 2007) and the numbers of seals which drown incidentally in fishing nets or are deliberately killed by fishermen, which though unknown, are thought to be significant (David and Wickens 2003). When taking all this into account, justifying reductions in seal numbers to speculation that present numbers exceed historical numbers, is unmerited”.
The direct extinction, of 97,2% of seals habitat, directly as a result of commercial seal harvesting, and now with increase unnatural high mortality from several factors on the mainland, no protection of any sort in the Namibian legislation, and a Minister of Fisheries who is neither the scientific or management authority of CITES, refusing to supply his own independent and impartial Ombudsman, as required under the constitution, after several requests for the latest population results, necessary to continue the seal harvest under Namibian law, where the Ombudsman has been under to determine the sustainability of this seal slaughter, the largest marine mammal slaughter on the planet (and not as some claim second after Canada, as more seals are actually killed in Namibia), is more than sufficient scientific evidence for CITES to change Cape fur seals in Namibia from Appendix II to Appendix I preventing all future commercial trade.
From south to North, the following seal colonies, consisting of 97,2% of seals former habitat, have already become extinct, they are, Little Roastbeef, Plumpudding, Pomena, Possession, Halifax. Seal, Penguin, Flamingo, Marshall, Staple, Ichaboe and Mercury.
Seal Alert-SA requests all seal activists to start petitions calling for the moving of Cape fur seals from Appendix II to I (protests and marches would be a good idea as well), to prevent their extinction further in Namibia. Once sufficient signatures are obtained, consider approaching the MEP in their country, requesting that country or the EU, to lodge an appeal to CITES. Two key MEPs who could assist is Dr Caroline Lucas MEP for UK, and David Martin MEP.
Remember Seal Alert and its partners did it in 2008, and managed to convince the EU and its 27-nations within, to ban all Cape fur seal product - and the EU and people involved supporting this were most helpful. We can do it again.
The sooner we all work together on this, the sooner we can save and protect these seals. Can someone consider starting a website/blog or facebook page, to keep everyone updated and to provide a regular source for comments.
For the Seals, Francois Hugo Seal Alert-SA
What YOU can do to help the seals:
Sign these petitions
Save the Namibian Cape Fur Seals From Extinction
Declaration for the Protection of Cape Fur Seals of Southern Africa
TOURIST ONLINE PETITION TO PROTECT AND SAVE CAPE FUR SEALS OF SOUTHERN AFRICA
STOP-THE-AFRICAN-SEAL-HUNT
Email the Namibian Government
and tell them to end this brutal slaughter now!
Here is a list of all Namibia’s Government Officials:
Minister of Presidential Affairs and Attorney General
Hon. Dr. Albert Kawana
[email protected]
Secretary to the President
Dr. Ndeutala Angolo
[email protected]
Hon. Prime Minister
Hon. Nahas Angula
[email protected]
Hon. Deputy Prime Minister
Hon. Marco Hausiku
[email protected]
Permanent Secretary
Adv. Nangula Mbako
[email protected]
Auditor General
Junis E Kandjeke
[email protected]
Deputy Auditor General
Walter Berth
[email protected]
Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry
Hon. Minister John Mutorwa
[email protected]
Hon. Deputy Minister Petrus Iilonga
[email protected]
Permanent Secretary Mr. Andrew Ndishishi
[email protected]
Ministry of Defence
Hon. Maj.-Gen. Charles Ndaxu Namoloh
[email protected]
Hon. Deputy Minister Lempy Lucas
[email protected]
Permanent Secretary Mr Petrus Shivute
[email protected]
Chief of Defence Force Lt. Gen. Martin Shalli
[email protected]
Defence Force Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Charles Shalumbu
[email protected]
Navy Commander Commondore Peter Vilho
[email protected]
Ministry of Education
Hon. Minister Dr.Abraham Iyambo
[email protected]
Hon. Deputy Minister Dawid Namwaandi
[email protected]
Permanent Secretary Mr. Vitalis Ankama
[email protected]
Ministry of Environment and Tourism
Hon. Minister Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah
[email protected]
Hon. Deputy Minister Uahekua Herunga
[email protected]
Permanent Secretary Dr. Kalumbi Shangula
[email protected]
Ministry of Finance
Hon. Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila
skuugongelwa-amadhila@mof.gov.na
Hon. Deputy Minister Calle Schettwein
[email protected]
Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Rescources
Hon. Minister Bernard Esau
[email protected]
Hon. Deputy Minister Kilus Nguvauva
[email protected]
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Hon. Minister Utoni Nujoma
[email protected]
Hon. Deputy Minister Peya Mushelenga
[email protected]
Ministry of Health and Social Services
Hon. Minister Richard Kamwi
[email protected]
Hon. Deputy Minister Petrina Haingura
[email protected]
Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration
Hon. Minister Rosalia Nghidinwa
[email protected]
Hon. Deputy Minister Elia Kaiyamo
[email protected]
Ministry of Information and Communication Technology
Hon. Minister Joel Kaapanda
[email protected]
Ministry of Justice
Hon. Minister Pendukeni Ivula-Ithana
[email protected]
Hon. Deputy Minister Tommy Nambahu
[email protected]
Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare
Hon. Minister Immanuel Ngatjizeko
[email protected]
Hon. Deputy Minister Alpheus Muheua
[email protected]
Ministry of Mines and Energy
Hon. Minister Isak Katali
[email protected]
Hon. Deputy Minister Willem Isaacks
[email protected]
Ministry of Safety and Security
Hon. Minister Nangolo Mbumba
[email protected]
Hon. Deputy Minister Erastus Uutoni
[email protected]
Ministry of Trade and Industry
Hon. Minister Dr. Hage Geingob
[email protected]
Hon. Deputy Minister Tjekero Tweya
[email protected]
Permanent Secretary Dr. Malan Lindeque
[email protected]
Ministry of Works and Transport
Hon. Minister Errki Nghimtina
[email protected]
Hon. Deputy Minister Chief Ankama
[email protected]
Ministry of Youth, National Services, Sport and Culture
Hon. Minister Kazenambo Kazenambo
[email protected]
Hon. Deputy Minister Pohamba Shifeta
[email protected]
Anti-Corruption Commission
Director: Mr. Paulus Kalomho Noa
Deputy Director: Adv. Lorraine van der Merwe
[email protected]
Regional Governors
Governor: Caprivi Region
Hon. L. Mwalima
[email protected]
Governor: Erongo Region
Hon. S. Nuuyoma
[email protected]
Governor: Hardap Region
Hon. K. M. Hanse
[email protected]
Governor: Kavango Region
Hon. J. Thigulu
[email protected]
Governor: Khomas Region
Hon. S. N. Shaningwa
[email protected]
Governor: Kunene Region
Hon. T. D. Murorua
[email protected]
Governor: Caprivi Region
Hon. U. Nghaamwa
[email protected]
Governor: Karas Region
Hon. D. Boois
administrator@karasregion.com.na
Governor: Omahekei Region
Hon. L. Mcleod
[email protected].na
Governor: Oshana Region
Hon. C. Kashupulwa
[email protected]
Governor: Oshikoto Region
Hon. P. Ya Ndakolo
[email protected]
Governor: Otjozondjupa Region
Hon. T. Eiseb
[email protected]
Consulates, Embassies and High Commissions
Embassy of the Republic of Namibia in Angola
[email protected]
Embassy of the Republic of Namibia in Austria
[email protected]
Embassy of the Republic of Namibia in Belgium and EU
[email protected]
High Commission of the Republic of Namibia in Botswana
[email protected]
Embassy of the Republic Namibia in Brazil
namibianembassy_brazil@ibest.com.br
Embassy of the Republic of Namibia in China
[email protected]
Embassy of the Republic of Namibia in Cuba
embnamib.ceniai.info.cu
Embassy of the Republic of Namibia in DRC
[email protected]
Embassy of the Republic of Namibia in Ethiopia and AU
[email protected]
Embassy of the Republic of Namibia in France
[email protected]
Embassy of the Republic of Namibia in Germany
[email protected]
High Commission of the Republic of Namibia in India
[email protected]
High Commission of the Republic of Namibia in Malaysia
[email protected]
High Commission of the Republic of Namibia in Nigeria
namibiahighcomabuja@yahoo.com
Embassy of the Republic of Namibia in Russia Federation
[email protected]
High Commission of the Republic of Namibia in South Africa
[email protected]
Embassy of the Republic of Namibia in Sweden
[email protected]
High Commission of the Republic of Namibia in United Kingdom
[email protected]
The Republic of Namibia Permanent Mission to the United Nations
[email protected]
Embassy of the Republic of Namibia in USA
[email protected]
High Commission of the Republic of Namibia in Zambia
[email protected]
High Commission of the Republic of Namibia in Zimbabwe
[email protected]
Do it for the seals!
Please sign the 1st petition started by the Seals of Nam
The petition to CITES
CITES: give the Cape Fur Seals the protection they deserve
In 1972 the Cape Fur Seal was listed on Appendix II of the United Nations Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species.
It is the ONLY species of seal to be found on the African continent. It has suffered a 97% loss of preferred habitat and has barely survived six major mass die offs. Namibian government scientist Dr.JP Roux has confirmed that between 95%-100% of all pups born in 1994 did not survive. In 2004 the Cape Fur Seal suffered the largest mass die off of any marine mammal in recorded history. An estimated 350 thousand animals died.
To make matters worse, the Namibian government slaughters 80 000 nursing pups by beating them to death with pick handles. A further 6 000 adult bulls are shot so that their genitals may be exported to the East, fueling the illegal trade in animal body parts for fake medicines and aphrodisiacs.
In South Africa, the Cape Fur Seal is legally protected under the Seals and Seabirds Protection Act. Namibian ombudsman Adv John Walters has confirmed these seals have NO protection whatsoever in Namibia.
Please click here to sign.
Thank you very much!
It is the ONLY species of seal to be found on the African continent. It has suffered a 97% loss of preferred habitat and has barely survived six major mass die offs. Namibian government scientist Dr.JP Roux has confirmed that between 95%-100% of all pups born in 1994 did not survive. In 2004 the Cape Fur Seal suffered the largest mass die off of any marine mammal in recorded history. An estimated 350 thousand animals died.
To make matters worse, the Namibian government slaughters 80 000 nursing pups by beating them to death with pick handles. A further 6 000 adult bulls are shot so that their genitals may be exported to the East, fueling the illegal trade in animal body parts for fake medicines and aphrodisiacs.
In South Africa, the Cape Fur Seal is legally protected under the Seals and Seabirds Protection Act. Namibian ombudsman Adv John Walters has confirmed these seals have NO protection whatsoever in Namibia.
Please click here to sign.
Thank you very much!