THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community, and in particular Article 43 thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission1,

Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament2,

Whereas the fragile ecological balance of the Antarctic Ocean requires international regulation of the management and conservation of the marine living resources thereof;

Whereas, to this end, an International Convention on the conservation of Antarctic marine living resources, hereinafter referred to as ‘the Convention’, has been drawn up at the diplomatic conference held in Canberra in May 1980 in which the Community participated;

Whereas the Convention will enter into force on the 30th day following the date of deposit of the eighth instrument of ratification; whereas, after the entry into force of the Convention, the Community may accede thereto;

Whereas, in order to contribute to the conservation of the resources in the area covered by the Convention and in which Community fishermen carry on their activities, it is necessary for the Community to accede to the Convention,

HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS: