| Summary: | This chapter introduces the structure and aim of the volume. It begins with an overview of the history and topography of the Falkland Islands and Dependencies, then discusses the sources of revenue on the islands, and confirming that sealing no longer occurs within the jurisdiction. It then introduces the development of commercial sealing: fishing locations; seal products - primarily meat, skin, fur, and oil; costs and profits; and the conditions aboard sealing vessels. It also provides a detailed description of different seal breeds - listing individually their habitats, features, region, uses, and profitability. The species of Falklands seals detailed are the Fur Seal; Bull and Cow Elephant Seal; Elephant Seal; Sea Lion; Leopard Seal; Weddell Seal; and Crabeater Seal. It concludes that all of the species of seals listed now enjoy protection in the Falklands, before lamenting that contemporary data concerning population figures is imprecise.
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