13. SMALL CETACEANS

(from "Chairman's Report of the Thirty-First Annual Meeting")


The Scientific Committee recommended a series of proposals developed by its small cetacean sub-committee which centred on white whales and narwhals. This included the listing of both species in the Schedule paragraph 1 and a series of research proposals. Other research on killer whales and suggested limitation of catches were also proposed.

Several delegations expressed the view that small cetaceans are not properly the concern of the 1946 Convention, so that they should not be listed in the Schedule, although the small cetacean sub-committee is an appropriate forum for scientific discussion. Some delegations were unsure of their position on this matter, but it was thought important that the recommendations on the small cetaceans should not be ignored. It was agreed, therefore, to refer this matter to the 32nd Annual Meeting and Contracting Governments should seek legal advice on their position in the meantime.

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