8. Scientific Appraisal of Antarctic Whale Stocks
(from "Chairman's Report of the Twelfth Meeting")
The Scientific Committee gave special attention to this matter, and in the
light of their recommendations and the United Kingdom suggestion for an
independent assessment of the condition of the stocks by a group of scientists
qualified in population dynamics or other appropriate science, the Commission
agreed as follows.
Firstly the Ad Hoc Scientific Committee was requested to carry out a
detailed and specified programme to improve the collection and interpretation
of data including the use of the latest methods of studying animal populations.
Secondly it was decided to appoint three scientists in the field of population
dynamics, and drawn from countries not engaged in pelagic whaling in the
Antarctic, to assist in the assessment of the condition of the whale stocks
there.
They would be asked to report within one year of their appointment on the
sustainable yield of these stocks in the light of the evidence available and on
any conservation measures that would increase this sustainable yield.
The three scientists were to be chosen by the Chairman in consultation with
the Vice-Chairman of the Commission and the Chairman of the Scientific
Committee.
Finally in setting up this special group of scientists the Commission declared
their intention to be that the Antarctic catch limit should be brought into
line with the scientific findings not later than 31st July, 1964, having
regard to the provisions of Article V(2) of the Convention.
The relevant resolution was proposed by the Canadian Commissioner, seconded by
the South African Commissioner and adopted.
The Japanese
Commissioner gave support solely in principle as the resolution did not
specifically require that the report of the three scientists qualified in
population dynamics should go through the Ad Hoc Scientific Committee.
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