8. Investigations of Whale Stocks
(from "Chairman's Report of the Twenty-First Meeting")
A report on baleen whale stocks in the Antarctic during the 1968/69 season
was provided by F.A.O. and this was examined by the Scientific Committee in
conjunction with whale population studies in that area prepared by scientists
of member countries.
The report by F.A.O. was the latest in a series of annual reports on the state
of the Antarctic stocks prepared for the Commission by the Organization.
The observer from F.A.O. informed the Commission that F.A.O., after reviewing
its commitments in the various fields as well as the needs of the Commission,
had reached the conclusion that now that several national delegations
contained scientists in stock assessment and with the reduction in the catch
quotas it was no longer necessary for F.A.O. to continue its regular
reporting on the state of the stocks.
F.A.O. therefore wished to withdraw from regular stock assessment work.
It would however like to continue to send observers to the Commission's
meetings, in particular the scientific meetings, and occasionally contribute
studies on specific subjects.
The Chairman expressed on behalf of the Commission its deep appreciation and
gratitude to F.A.O. for its great contribution to the stock assessment work of
the Commission and for its intention to continue to co-operate with the
Commission in this work.
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