(from "Chairman's Report of the Eighteenth Meeting")

(a)

The F.A.O. assessment group should be asked to make an assessment of sperm whale stocks, particularly in respect of those on pelagic grounds, and national groups should begin or continue analyses.

(b)

There was a need for additional marking of sperm whales.

(c)

Studies to ensure standardisation of age readings for sperm whales should be initiated or continued.

(d)

The taking of entire schools of sperm whales under special permits for scientific studies should be encouraged.

(e)

Biological data for sperm whales should be submitted as soon as possible to the F.A.O. Assessment Group; such data should be submitted annually and should be available for exchange between national groups on request.

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