Highlights and images for 24 September 2024

“We are comfortable with the term. It is who we are.” The Vice-Chair of the Alaska Whaling Commission expressed no objections to use of the word “aboriginal” in the context of Aboriginal Subsistence Whaling, saying it is used in important ways to protect their hunts. In contrast, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines called the term a “discriminatory, racist, and an historical wrong that needs to be corrected.” This was one of several discussion topics throughout the day that brought divergent perspectives.

The proposed Schedule amendment to create a South Atlantic Whale Sanctuary, which has been up for consideration at most International Whaling Commission (IWC) meetings since its introduction in 1998, generated heated statements in support—and opposition. Norway called it “redundant,” given the global whaling moratorium. Antigua and Barbuda predicted its approval would bring about the “total destruction of the IWC” and a “mass exodus of members.” Those in favor highlighted conservation values, non-lethal scientific research, outreach, and international cooperation. The UK said it would provide a “haven” for cetaceans that face a multitude of anthropogenic threats. With consensus not on the horizon, it appeared the proposal was again headed for a vote by the IWC members later in the week.

Two other proposals also failed to reach consensus on the first round—one on food security, with opponents saying the IWC is not the appropriate forum for such debates, and that its approval would be precedent setting in endorsing the commercial sale of whale meat. Rebutting claims that the resolution was designed to circumvent the moratorium on commercial whaling, several NGOs said it simply reaffirms the guiding document of the IWC, and asks that food security be considered when IWC decisions are made. A drafting group was formed.

The other draft resolution that generated opposing views proposed implementation of a Conservation Management Programme for whale stocks, aimed towards lifting the moratorium on whaling and the orderly development of the whaling industry. Proponents cited the robust status of current stocks and the original intent of the moratorium as a temporary management measure. Those opposed cited IWC budgetary constraints, the low global demand for whale meat, and the multi-year management, monitoring, and control regime that would be required for its oversight.

IWC members made progress on other proposed resolutions related to:

• cooperation with the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR);
• synergies between the IWC, the Kunming Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), and the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ); and
• international legal obligations in commercial whaling activities.

Delegates heard a report by the Finance and Administration Committee and considered a proposed biennial budget for 2025 and 2026. Early in the day, participants learned that IWC Chair Amadou Telivel Diallo would not be attending the meeting due to unresolvable travel and visa challenges. Acting Chair Nick Gales lamented this lost opportunity of having the first IWC Chair from a West African, French-speaking country, and lauded his contributions to the IWC.