The economic significance of the 19th century Antarctic sealing industry

• Published in: Polar Record
• Main Authors: Basberg, Bjorn L., Headland, Robert K.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge University Press (CUP) 2012
• Subjects: Antarctic; The Antarctic; Antarc*; Polar Record
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0032247412000411; https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S0032247412000411

ABSTRACT Sealing was the first exploitative industry in the Antarctic region. Throughout the 19th century it was characterised by large fluctuations in catches and shifts in hunting grounds as seals were almost exterminated in several locations. This paper reviews the historical literature on this industry. In particular it reviews sources and data that relate to its economic importance. So far, no one has succeeded in indicating the aggregate economic value of the industry. The main aim, therefore, is to investigate new data, especially on market prices that will enable a more accurate assessment of the significance of the industry.