Socio-Economic Implications And Small-Type Whaling

[struggle4progress]

Friday, 27 June 2008, 10:02 am
Press Release: International Whaling Commission

60th Annual And Associated Meetings, Santiago, Chile 2008; Press Release - Day 3 - Wednesday 25 June

... The most serious concern of all relates to the probable extinction of the vaquita unless immediate action is taken. There are at most 150 animals left of this species which is only found in the upper Gulf of California, Mexico. The Committee expressed great frustration that despite more than a decade of warnings this species has continued on a rapid path towards extinction due to lack of effective conservation measures. The Committee strongly recommended that if extinction is to be avoided, gillnets should be removed from immediately. The Committee encouraged the international community, including IWC member countries and NGOs to assist Mexico in their conservation measures.

The Committee also reaffirmed its concern about the conservation status of the Boto, and the fact that directed killing of this species continue without restriction or catch limits; the population has probably declined by over 50% in the last decade. The Committee recommended that immediate steps be taken by Brazil, Colombia, Peru and Venezuela to stop this hunt, and that range states provide information to next year's meeting on progress in this regard.

Finally, the Committee reiterated its concern for the stocks of Dall's porpoise off Japan and repeated its previous recommendation that catches should be reduced to sustainable levels, that the bycatch levels be quantified and that a full assessment of each of the affected populations be conducted as soon as possible ...

http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0806/S00626.htm

[losthills]

1. I believe that whales should just be left alone.

They have enough problems in this changing world....