Wednesday 5 March 2008

WWF delegation head and International Species Programme Director Dr Susan Lieberman, called on Japan in particular to recognise that science has progressed significantly since a provision allowing governments to issue lethal research permits was written into the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling (ICRW).

The 61 year-old provision is the basis of Japan's so-called scientific whaling programme to research the species.

The provision "produces meat but not answers," Lieberman said.

Outdated methods unscientific

"At that time, killing whales was the only way to learn some of the most basic biological information, some of which was then used to set catch quotas," Lieberman said.

"Today, much more plentiful and reliable information is available using the many better new ways of collecting whale data rather than much the same old ways of killing them. What sort of scientific enterprise is it that uses the most outdated methodologies to produce little published data, few insights into whales and negligible useful whale management information?" she questioned.

Non-whaling threats to whales

In a statement to the meeting, WWF is also urging contracting governments to "look more closely and consistently at the non-whaling threats to whales".

These include general threats from habitat degradation and climate change, as well as more specific challenges such as being deafened or displaced by the operations of the oil and gas exploration and development industry, or being caught up and discarded as bycatch by the fishing industry.

"The greatest threat to many cetacean species is bycatch, with estimates showing that more than 300,000 whales and dolphins are killed in fishing gear each year," Lieberman said.

"Only through swift and cooperative international action to reduce bycatch will some critically endangered cetacean populations be saved," she added.

WWF's new bycatch initiative is highlighting the existence of practical, innovative fishing gear designs to reduce bycatch. WWF's goal is to ensure that viable populations of all cetacean species occupy their historical range, and fulfill their role in maintaining the integrity of ocean ecosystems.

The International Whaling Commission Intersessional meeting, which is being held in London until Saturday, will focus on the structure and processes of the IWC and enable participants to share ideas on how to improve the working of the Commission. This is in advance of the main meeting in June.