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IWC – Day Three
This question asked on Facebook by Lili Hartounian-McSkimming is typical of that I have heard quite a bit over the past few days from people not present at the IWC meeting: “Have they discussed whaling?” The answer is an unequivocal “Yes.” The whaling nations want it made clear that the focus of the IWC should be about whaling and slip the topic into their comments consistently. Many like-minded nations have mandates from their constituencies and requests from environmental groups to specifically oppose whaling and related issues and also make sure it is mentioned. So, no matter what the specific topic being discussed, whaling is almost always part of it. Additionally, the issue of the stalemate over commercial whaling in the IWC was specifically addressed by Japan. The debate will continue on Thursday. Most of the day was spent on committee reports, many of which highlight the positive work with cetacean management and protection, which is becoming a bigger and bigger part of the work of the IWC. Cetacean Health and Disease, Anthropogenic Sound, Bycatch, Ship Strike, and Marine Debris were some of the issues discussed. Special attention was given to the success of the Global Whale Entanglement Response Network which has trained over 700 responders worldwide since its adoption in 2012. A Stranding Response effort will be the next step. Immediately following the plenary, Switzerland hosted a champagne reception to introduce artist Eric Alibert whose striking Sentinel series whale paintings adorn the venue of the meeting. ACS Representative, Bernardo Alps
1 Comment
Chuck Molnar
11/27/2016 07:03:31 pm
Nice article. Well written!!!!
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American Cetacean SocietyThe mission of the American Cetacean Society is to protect whales, dolphins, porpoises, and their habitats through public education, research grants, and conservation actions.
ACS Representative, Bernardo AlpsCategories |