On July 1st 2012, a total allowable catch of 85 000 Cape Fur seal pups are set to be beaten to death in Namibia. These pups are still dependent on their mothers, they are not yet weaned and consequently are not yet eating fish.
Five Southern African countries are establishing a regional science centre that will support cross-border research into climate change and land management.
'The quota this year has been set for 85 000 baby seals that are still nursing from their mothers' teats. These are beaten to death with pick handles so that their fur pelts may be sold for US $7.00 A further 6 000 adult bull seals will be shot at point blank range so that their penises can be used to make an ineffective aphrodisiac,' said Pat Dickens, co-ordinator of Sea Shepherd South Africa, at a protest against seal clubbing in Namibia held at the V&A Waterfront recently.

