Discussed the issue of the increasing seal populations in certain areas of the North Atlantic,
Noted that conservation, based on an ecosystem approach, is of fundamental importance to maintain biological diversity and productivity in the marine environment,
And taking into account the interests of aboriginal peoples, recognized that:
The Ministers noted that the human population of the world is increasing, and that, in the absence of management of significant marine species, including seals, there will be insufficient food for the world's human population, and severe feeding problems for the marine species themselves. The Ministers agreed on the need for a joint public information campaign to make this situation widely understood.