The Convention on the Conservation and Management of Fisheries Resources in the South East Atlantic Ocean (SEAFO) was adopted on 20 April 2001, in Windhoek, Namibia, by the Conference on the South East Atlantic Fisheries Organisation. The Convention was signed that same date by the States and the regional economic integration organisation listed below.

In accordance with paragraph 2 of Article 25, the Convention shall be subject to ratification, acceptance or approval by the States and regional economic integration organisations participating in the Conference on the South East Atlantic Fisheries Organisation held at Windhoek on 20 April 2001 and by all States and regional economic integration organisations whose vessels fish, or have fished in the Convention Area, for fishery resources covered by this Convention, in the four years preceding the adoption of the Convention.

Pursuant to paragraph 1 of Article 26, the Convention shall be open for accession by coastal states and by all other States and regional economic integration organisations whose vessels fish in the Convention Area for fishery resources covered by the Convention.

Article 27 provides that the Convention shall enter into force 60 days after the date of deposit with the Depositary of the third instrument of ratification, accession, acceptance or approval at least one of which has been deposited by a coastal State. In accordance with this provision, the Convention entered into force on 13 April 2003.

For each State or regional economic integration organisation which, subsequent to the date of entry into force of the Convention, deposits and instrument of ratification or accession, the Convention shall enter into force on the thirtieth day following such deposit.

Participants
The following States and regional economic integration organisation have signed or deposited instruments on the corresponding date indicated: