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The economic significance of the 19th century Antarctic sealing industry

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 September 2012

Bjorn L. Basberg  and
Robert K. Headland
Bjorn L. Basberg
Affiliation:
Economic History Section, Department of Economics, Norwegian School of Economics, (NHH), N-5045 Bergen, Norway ([email protected])
Robert K. Headland
Affiliation:
Scott Polar Research Institute, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Rd., Cambridge CB2 1ER
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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.

Type
Research Article
Information
Polar Record , Volume 49 , Issue 4 , October 2013 , pp. 381 - 391
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2012 

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