This week marked the significant milestone of forty years since the global prohibition on commercial whaling was established. In conjunction with this anniversary, the UK government reaffirmed its longstanding opposition to commercial whaling during the 70th meeting of the International Whaling Commission (IWC).
For generations, whales, dolphins, and porpoises have captivated human interest, and their presence in our oceans continues to inspire awe and curiosity. The UK remains resolute in its commitment to safeguarding these majestic creatures for future generations.
Strengthening Cetacean Protection
At this year’s IWC gathering, which celebrated both the 80th anniversary of the body and its 70th session, UK representatives successfully garnered additional support for the conservation of cetaceans. They co-sponsored a resolution that underscores the significance of responding to and researching cetacean strandings, which was adopted with overwhelming consensus.
A cetacean stranding occurs when a whale, dolphin, or porpoise washes ashore, either alive or deceased. Such events provide critical insights into the health of these animals, revealing causes of mortality and highlighting broader environmental threats, including pollution, entanglement in fishing gear, and collisions with vessels.
To bolster these efforts, the UK has allocated £150,000 towards the establishment of a Global Cetacean Strandings Database. This initiative aims to enhance collaboration among nations and facilitate more effective information sharing.
The newly adopted resolution will ensure that stranding data is utilised more efficiently within the IWC’s operations, leading to improved coordination, stronger evidence, and quicker responses when distressed animals are located.
Commitment to Ending Commercial Whaling
Stephen Morgan, the International Oceans Minister, expressed his sentiments, stating, “Whales are awe-inspiring creatures, and we must continue to protect them while striving to end the cruel practice of commercial whaling worldwide.” He further highlighted the UK’s pivotal role in advocating for the moratorium and advancing essential initiatives regarding strandings, which will enhance our understanding of the threats faced by cetaceans globally.
Dr Anjali Goswami, Chief Scientific Advisor at Defra, emphasised the distressing nature of witnessing a whale stranding. With hundreds of such occurrences reported annually across the UK, she stressed the importance of learning from each case. “Strandings data is one of our most valuable scientific tools for understanding the evolving threats to these magnificent animals and ensuring timely support when they are in distress,” she noted.
Enhancing Conservation Efforts
During IWC70, the UK concluded a two-year term chairing two pivotal committees within the IWC: the Conservation Committee and the Scientific Committee. Under UK leadership, the Conservation Committee has successfully doubled the number of active Conservation Management Plans to ten, while expanding practical actions to mitigate bycatch through pilot projects in five locations and implementing training in three others.
This session also witnessed the committee receiving a record number of national conservation reports, the agreement on a new Strategic Plan aligned with global biodiversity objectives, and the endorsement of financial reforms aimed at securing long-term funding for conservation initiatives.
The UK remains steadfast in its opposition to commercial whaling and continues to urge nations that still engage in whaling practices to cease such activities. This global effort is complemented by domestic initiatives aimed at understanding and alleviating the pressures faced by cetaceans in UK waters, as exemplified by the UK Cetacean Conservation Strategy and local strandings programmes.
International Collaboration for Cetacean Management
The IWC stands as the sole global authority empowered to manage and protect cetaceans on an international scale. The UK is committed to collaborating with other countries to enhance the efficacy of the IWC’s efforts in this critical mission.