16. CONSIDERATION OF THE ETHICS OF KILLING CETACEANS (1978)

16. CONSIDERATION OF THE ETHICS OF KILLING CETACEANS

(from "Chairman's Report of the Thirtieth Annual Meeting")

When this matter was discussed in the Scientific Committee some members felt they were no more qualified than any other body to comment on the general ethics of killing animals, but a sub-committee was set up to consider the subject in relation to management. Their work was limited by constrains of time, and the limited behavioural expertise and reference material available. A minority report expressed disappointment at the failure to give full consideration to the subject.

Panama explained why it believes that whaling is unethical and the Commission endorsed the recommendation of the Scientific Committee that the Secretariat continues to seek information on behavioural studies in relation to assessment and management, enquires into the possibilities of a co-sponsored meeting and encourages outside specialists to provide documents for discussion at the next Annual Meeting.