1991 No. 2638 (S.206)
SEA FISHERIES
The Conservation of Seals (Common Seals) (Shetland Islands Area) Order 1991
Made 21st November 1991
Laid before Parliament 28th November 1991
Coming into force 19th December 1991

Whereas having consulted with the Natural Environment Research Council under section 3(1) of the Conservation of Seals Act 1970 it appears to the Secretary of State necessary for the proper conservation of seals to make this Order;
1970 c. 30.
Now, therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred on him by sections 3(1) and 14(2) of the said Act of 1970 and of all other powers enabling him in that behalf, the Secretary of State hereby makes the following Order:

1 This Order may be cited as the Conservation of Seals (Common Seals) (Shetland Islands Area) Order 1991 and shall come into force on 19th December 1991.
2 Any person is hereby prohibited from killing, injuring or taking of seals of the species known as Phoca vitulina (common seals), in the Shetland Islands Area and within the seaward limits of the territorial waters adjacent thereto.
3 The Conservation of Seals (Common seals) (Shetland Islands Area) Order 1990 is hereby revoked.
S.I.1990/2337.
Strathclyde Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, Scottish Office St. Andrew’s House, Edinburgh 21st November 1991

(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.