16. INTERNATIONAL DECADE OF CETACEAN RESEARCH

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


16.1 Report of the Scientific Committee
The Scientific Committee noted that the IDCR programme really began in 1975. It recommended that further research should be continued on a priority system, which is set out in its Report. In addition it recommended that the IWC should participate in the formulation and implementation of the research recommendations prepared under the FAO/UNEP Draft Global Plan of Action for the Conservation, Management and Utilisation of Marine Mammals. It further recommended that the Secretariat should prepare a review of the IDCR programme for UNEP.

The Scientific Committee reviewed research programmes undertaken during 1980/81 and plans for 1982 and indicated a revised funding procedure to be adopted.

The Commission adopted these proposals on the recommendation of the Technical Committee.


16.2 Whale habitats including reports from Governments on degradation of the marine environment
The Commission noted that no reports had been received.

Spain expressed its views on the contamination of the sea arising from industrial activity. As a state bordering a polluted sea it has particular concern that animals such as whales at high trophic levels are especially vulnerable to such pollution. It proposed a Resolution which was adopted by the Technical Committee.

Uruguay expressed its view that this was part of a global problem of the seas, and suggested that member governments should act in all international fora to combat pollution so as to develop and co-ordinate practical policies. A number of delegations expressed their support for this idea in principle, including seeking observer status in appropriate inter-governmental bodies, but there was also a view that IWC action should be restricted to cetaceans.

In the Plenary Session Denmark proposed the addition of wording to include adverse effects to whale stocks caused by shipping, offshore mining and drilling activity. This was seconded by Sweden and the USA, and there was then some discussion on the precise wording between Spain, Norway and the UK. Jamaica spoke on the effects of marine pollution caused by unseaworthy vessels, and the USA expressed concern for a newly discovered group of highly endangered right whales in an area off its Atlantic coast which will soon be open for oil leasing. The Resolution as amended (Appendix 7) was then adopted, Mexico recording its reservation.

The Commission further agreed, on the recommendation of the Technical Committee from the Scientific Committee, that appropriate sampling should be carried out and reported, and that an observer attend the ICES meeting in October 1981.

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