9. WHALE SANCTUARIES

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


The general concept and the specific proposal for a sanctuary in the Indian Ocean put forward by the Seychelles were discussed by the Scientific Committee, but no firm conclusions were reached. It was noted that sanctuaries could provide freedom from disturbance for ecosystems and for species or groups of animals, especially for activities such as breeding. There was a wide division of opinion on the data which might be obtained on vital population parameters unless scientific permit catches are allowed and adequate monitoring was undertaken.

The Seychelles stated that their proposal satisfied the ecological coherence of the area and the expressed opinions of several neighbouring countries. The rights of coastal states especially in their Exclusive Economic Zones would also be respected. Japan objected on the grounds that it believes the sanctuary concept conflicts with the objects of the Convention and the individual stock approach to management, and the USSR thought that the introduction of sanctuaries would reduce the knowledge needed to regulate whale resources.

By a majority vote, the Technical Committee recommended an amended proposal incorporating a ten year review period to allow sufficient time for effects of disturbance and the recovery rates of depleted stocks to be followed.

A further amendment proposed by Seychelles, seconded by Australia, had the effect of reducing the review period. This was adopted by the Commission by 16 votes for, with 3 against and 3 abstentions, so that the following new paragraph was inserted in the Schedule:

'In accordance with Article V(1) (c) of the Convention, commercial whaling, whether by pelagic operations or from land stations, is prohibited in a region designated as the Indian Ocean Sanctuary. This comprises the waters of the Northern Hemisphere from the coast of Africa to 100° East, including the Red and Arabian Seas and the Gulf of Oman and the waters of the Southern Hemisphere in the sector from 20° East to 130° East with the southern boundary set at 55° South. This prohibition applies irrespective of the classifications of baleen or toothed whale stocks in the Sanctuary, as may from time to time be determined by the Commission. This prohibition will apply for ten years, with the provision for a general review after five years, unless the Commission decides otherwise.'

The Commission then approved a Resolution (Appendix 3) put forward by Denmark, seconded by Japan and South Africa, concerning scientific research in the Sanctuary. Seychelles stated that within the next few years it would like to offer to host a special meeting of scientists interested in carrying out research in the Sanctuary.

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