(This note is not part of the Order)
Section 2(1) of the Conservation of Seals Act 1970 (c. 30) prescribes the annual close season for common seals extending from 1st June to 31st August both inclusive during which it is an offence for any person wilfully to kill, injure or take common seals. The Conservation of Seals (Common Seals) Order 1988 (S.I. 1988/2023) prohibited during the period 19th December 1988 until December 1990 the killing, injuring or taking of common seals in Great Britain and adjacent territorial waters. The Conservation of Seals (Common Seals) (Shetland Islands Area) Order 1990 (S.I. 1990/2337) prohibited during the period 19th December 1990 to 18th December 1991 the killing, injuring or taking of common seals only in the Shetland Islands Area and territorial waters adjacent thereto.
This Order reimposes for an indefinite period from 19th December 1991 the all year prohibition in the Shetland Islands Area and territorial waters adjacent thereto. This Order revokes the Conservation of Seals (Common Seals) (Shetland Islands Area) Order 1990.