(from "Chairman's Report of the Thirty-Fourth Annual Meeting")
The Commission agreed to amend the Schedule accordingly, and also accepted the recommendation of the Scientific Committee through the Technical Committee that biochemical comparison of samples from the Korean and Japanese coastal operations be undertaken as soon as possible.
13.1.2 Bryde's whale stocks in the Northern Indian Ocean and the
North Atlantic
The Scientific Committee made no comment on this matter and the Commission
took no action.
13.2 1982 North Pacific coastal season, Western Division sperm
whales
The Scientific Committee had carried out analyses involving three population
estimation techniques.
New analyses carried out since the Special Meeting were also discussed.
Stock estimates agreed by most members and comments by others were presented. The Scientific Committee agreed it could not reliably determine MSY level and is thus unable to recommend classification or catch limits and had no basis for recommending catch limits based on replacement yields. The effect of continuing present catches was discussed and it was agreed that differences between projections are more reliable than actual values. Some members believed that continuation of current catches would cause relatively little change in population trajectories; others that interpretation was subjective and there was no scientific basis for comment. In response to three questions raised by the Australian Commissioner, the Scientific Committee does not recommend complete protection of females provided the level does not exceed the current by-catch; does not recommend a change in the minimum size limit of 30 feet; and recommends continuation of the maximum size limit of 45 feet during the breeding season.
The Scientific Committee outlined three tasks which must be completed before a comprehensive review of this stock can take place, together with several research proposals.
In the Technical Committee, Japan proposed a catch limit of 890 males with provision for a by-catch of females of 11.5% for each of the 1982 and 1983 seasons. This was defeated by a majority vote, so that the Technical Committee made no recommendation to the Commission for this stock.
In the Commission, Norway, seconded by Iceland, proposed catch limits of 450 and 400 for 1982 and 1983 respectively, with a female by-catch of 11.5%. There was a lengthy discussion of how these would be written into the Schedule, and if additional Schedule amendments might be necessary. It was agreed to defer discussion to allow further consultations. On the resumption, Norway proposed, seconded by Japan, that footnote 1 to the dash in Table 3 of the Schedule would remain unchanged, but there would be a footnote 2 reading:
Notwithstanding footnote 1, catch limits for the 1982 and 1983 coastal seasons are 450 and 400 whales respectively, provided that included within each of these catch limits there may be a by-catch of females not to exceed 11.5%, and all whaling operations for this species shall cease for the rest of each season when the by-catch is reached.
Following clarification of the result of such a proposal, the UK and the USA expressed support because it is consistent with the Commission's decisions on commercial whaling. Antigua called for a vote, when the proposal received 14 votes in favour, 3 against with 15 abstentions, a sufficient majority to amend the Schedule.
13.3 1982/83 Southern Hemisphere pelagic season and 1983 coastal
seasons elsewhere
13.3.1 Sperm whales
The Scientific Committee was unable to assess any other sperm whale stocks in
the time available and the Commission took no action.
13.3.2 Minke whales
Southern Hemisphere
The Scientific Committee found no evidence for abandoning the current stock
boundaries.
It could not use the BALEEN assessment model and believed that sighting
estimates were the most reliable ones available this year, but no confidence
intervals could be calculated; mark recovery data gave uncertain results.
There were problems in estimating net recruitment but a procedure was
developed to mitigate the effects of unbalanced catches between sexes.
The Scientific Committee recommended that the stocks should remain unclassified. Most members believed that catch limits should be based on a range of recruitment rates between 0.01 to 0.04. There were alternative views based on a recruitment rate of 0.007.
Japan and the USSR commented that there has been major systematic international research leading to population estimates exceeding 300,000 animals, and the Seychelles recognised that the stock is in no danger of extinction. However, it advised caution in setting catch limits because of the unknown margin of error in the estimates, and in Technical Committee proposed a total catch of 4,934. St Lucia amended this figure to the lower range set out by the Scientific Committee, a total of 2,647. This was adopted by majority vote as the recommendation of the Technical Committee, although a number of governments supporting the amendment indicated that they thought this was too low and reserved the right to change it in plenary.
In the Commission, Norway proposed an amendment to the recommendation from the Technical Committee seconded by Iceland: that the stocks should be unclassified with a total catch limit of 7,072 minke whales, divided as follows, and with a 5% allowance between Areas:
Area I 811 IV 1,875 II 625 V 1,806 III 1,063 VI 892
This was approved by the Commission, which also endorsed the research proposals recommended by the Scientific Committee on ageing minke whales; further analysis of Japanese CPUE data; effect of ice conditions on catchability; sightings estimates; IWC/IDCR sightings and markings cruise in Area I.
North Pacific
Sea of Japan - Yellow Sea - East China Sea stock
Most members of the Scientific Committee recommended that the stock be
classified provisionally as SMS with the block quota of 3,634 whales for 1980
- 84 continued.
Some members urged caution and suggested a catch limit of 90% of the average
catch over the period 1969 - 78, that is 654 whales.
The Scientific Committee also recommended that details of fleet composition and vessel tonnage be provided.
After discussion and the defeat of an amendment to continue with the block quota, the Technical Committee recommended a catch limit of 654 by a majority vote. It also agreed to recommend a provisional SMS classification.
In the Commission the Technical Committee's recommended catch limit was not seconded, and so the existing block quota is maintained. The Commission agreed to continue the classification as provisional SMS.
Okhotsk Sea - West Pacific stock
The Scientific Committee recommended continuation of the classification as
provisional SMS with a block quota of 1,678 for 1980 - 84 and a maximum of 421
in any one year.
This was endorsed by the Technical Committee and approved by the Commission.
Remainder of the North Pacific
The Technical Committee endorsed the Scientific Committee's recommendation
that the stock remain IMS classification with a zero quota, which was adopted
by the Commission.
North Atlantic
Northeastern stock
Most members of the Scientific Committee recommended classification as
provisional SMS with a catch limit of 1,690, the most recent 10 years average
catch.
Three members suggested caution with the stock unclassified and the catch
limit no higher than 90% of the recent average catch.
The Scientific Committee also recommended re-analysis of available effort data.
The Technical Committee recommended by a majority vote a catch limit of 1,521, after defeating a proposal for 1,690. This recommendation was not seconded in the Commission, and Norway proposed the majority recommendation from the Scientific Committee of 1,690, which was seconded by Denmark and Iceland.
The Seychelles believed that it would be prudent, in view of the uncertainties, to be more cautious and suggested a compromise reduction of 5% to 1,606. This amendment was seconded by the Netherlands, St Lucia, Australia and Oman, but failed to gain the three-quarters majority required to amend the Schedule, receiving 14 votes in favour, 5 against with 13 abstentions.
The original proposal for 1,690 was then put to the vote but also failed to receive a three-quarters majority, with 10 votes for, 4 against and 18 abstentions.
Norway gave the Commission an assurance that in the absence of any quota, Norwegian catches will not exceed 1,690.
Subsequently, there was a lengthy procedural debate on whether the Commission could return to consider the catch limit for this stock further. The Chairman ruled that, unless there is a unanimous decision to the contrary, when a subject is closed without any reservation to re-open it later, the matter cannot afterwards be re-opened for discussion. Because there was no unanimity to return to the present subject, the Seychelles which had suggested re-opening the discussion withdrew its proposal.
Central stock
The Scientific Committee recommended that the stock be unclassified and most
members recommended the current catch limit of 320 be maintained, the average
catch for 1961 - 75.
Three members urged a more cautious approach with a catch limit no higher than
90% of the recent average catch, that is 288.
The Scientific Committee also recommended re-evaluation of available CPUE data.
The Technical Committee, by a majority vote, recommended a catch limit of 288, and also agreed that the stock should remain unclassified.
This catch limit recommendation was not seconded in the Commission, where Japan proposed a figure of 300, seconded by Iceland and Norway. This was then adopted by the Commission, together with the stock being unclassified.
West Greenland stock
The Scientific Committee recommended that the stock be unclassified.
Most members recommended continuation of the block quota of 1,778 for 1981 -
85, the catch not to exceed 444 in any year; others were concerned about
possible declines in abundance and recommended a catch limit of 213 whales for
1983 based on the last 10 years average catch.
The Technical Committee recommended continuation of the block quota, which was seconded by Japan and Norway and approved by the Commission, with the stock unclassified.
Canadian East Coast stock
The Scientific Committee recommended that the stock be unclassified with a
zero catch limit pending satisfactory estimates of stock size and this was
endorsed by the Commission on the recommendation of the Technical Committee.
The Commission also noted that the Scientific Committee recommended
continuation of the IWC/IDCR North Atlantic project if it proves feasible.
Northern Indian Ocean
There was no information as to whether minke whales occur in this region and
the Commission accepted the recommendation through the Technical Committee
that classification continue as IMS with a zero catch limit, pending a
satisfactory estimate of stock size.
13.3.3 Fin whales
Southern Hemisphere and North Pacific
The Scientific Committee did not have time to discuss these stocks.
It therefore recommended they should remain classified as PS.
This was endorsed by the Technical Committee and accepted by the Commission.
North Atlantic
It was noted that the Scientific Committee had agreed to pay special attention
to classifying these stocks in a coherent and consistent way.
Nova Scotia stock
The Scientific Committee had no new information and it recommended continuing
classification as PS.
This was endorsed by the Technical Committee and approved by the Commission.
Newfoundland - Labrador
The Commission accepted the recommendation of the Scientific Committee through
the Technical Committee that this stock should be unclassified with a zero
catch limit.
West Greenland stock
A systematic sightings cruise is planned for 1982.
The Scientific Committee undertook no assessment and therefore recommended
that the stock should be unclassified with the same catch limit, 6, as last
year.
This was endorsed by the Technical Committee and agreed by the Commission.
East Greenland - Iceland
The Scientific Committee had been unable to reach consensus following detailed
analyses and put forward three proposals:
Provisional SMS with a catch of 118
SMS with a catch of 167
SMS with a catch of 225
The Technical Committee agreed to the recommendation that catch limits should be set one year at a time and to classification as SMS, and by a majority vote recommended a conservative catch limit of 73.
This catch limit was seconded in the Commission by France, but an amendment for a figure of 167 proposed by Norway and seconded by Iceland was adopted by the Commission by consensus, together with the classification as SMS.
North Norway
There have been no catches from this stock since 1971.
Some members of the Scientific Committee recommended it should be
unclassified, others unclassified with a zero catch limit.
Norway believes that further research should be undertaken before any catch is resumed but there are no plans for the latter.
The Commission agreed to a zero catch limit with the stock unclassified, as recommended by the Technical Committee.
West Norway - Faroe Islands
The Commission accepted the recommendation of the Scientific Committee through
the Technical Committee that this stock should remain PS with a zero catch
limit.
Spain - Portugal - British Isles stock
The Scientific Committee thought that the historical data series previously
used are unlikely to be representative of the current catch area.
Analyses of CPUE series result in four proposals.
Most members recommended that the stock should be unclassified and if a catch
limit is set, caution should be exercised although alternative views were
expressed.
The Technical Committee noted the long history of over-exploitation of stocks in the area, and the many small whales taken, although Spain was making efforts to respect the minimum size limit. By a majority vote it recommended a zero catch limit, and agreed to classification as PS.
This recommendation was not seconded in the Commission, where Spain outlined the phasing out policy it is adopting. Instead of the catch limit of 210 agreed last year for the present 1982 season, it has set a domestic limit of 150. It proposed to carry the remainder to a three year block quota during which there would be a progressive reduction in catches, to be incorporated as an amendment to the Schedule in the following terms:
The total catches of fin whales from the Spain - Portugal - British Isles stock shall not exceed 270 in the three years 1983 to 1985 inclusive, with a maximum of 120 in any one year.
Spain stated that it will use this block quota in the most cautious way, and will maintain the ongoing scientific research and the strict national and international control already in effect.
Costa Rica and Mexico seconded the proposal, but France, because of its special concern over this stock, preferred to set catch limits one year at a time and proposed a figure of 120 for 1983. This amendment was seconded by the Federal Republic of Germany and Monaco. Norway, Mexico, the UK and the Seychelles all spoke in appreciation of the Spanish commitment and favoured following its proposal, whilst sharing the concerns of France. The latter's amendment was then withdrawn and the original proposal by Spain adopted by the Commission.
13.3.4 Sei whales
Southern Hemisphere and North Pacific
The Scientific Committee did not discuss these stocks and therefore
recommended that they remain classified as PS, which the Technical Committee
endorsed and the Commission accepted.
North Atlantic
Nova Scotia stock
This stock has not been exploited since 1972 and no new information was
presented.
The Technical Committee accepted the recommendation that it should remain PS
with a zero catch limit, which was approved by the Commission.
Iceland - Denmark Strait
Extensive new biological information was presented to the Scientific Committee
but reliable indices are lacking since it is an incidental take.
Marking may help and the Scientific Committee recommended continuation as
unclassified with a catch limit of 504 for 1980 - 85, and a maximum catch of
100 in any year.
The Technical Committee, by a majority vote, recommended a zero catch limit after an amendment for a catch limit of 100 in 1983 failed to receive a majority. It also agreed to classification as SMS. These recommendations were not seconded in the Commission, so that the Commission took no action to change the existing block quota.
Eastern stocks
In the absence of new information the Scientific Committee recommended the
stocks should be unclassified with a zero catch limit which was endorsed by
the Technical Committee and accepted by the Commission.
13.3.5 Bryde's whales
Southern Hemisphere
South Atlantic and South African inshore stocks
The Scientific Committee did not discuss these stocks and therefore
recommended they remain unclassified with a zero catch limit.
This was accepted by the Commission.
Southern Indian Ocean stock
Solomon Islands stock
Western South Pacific stock
Eastern South Pacific stock
Most members of the Scientific Committee recommended a revision of the status
of these stocks to IMS with a zero catch limit pending satisfactory estimates
of stock sizes.
Others suggested no change to present catch limits since no catches had been
taken.
The Technical Committee recommended classification as IMS with zero catch limit pending satisfactory estimates after Japan reminded the Committee of the extensive surveys it had carried out for three years. This was agreed by the Commission.
The Commission also accepted five research recommendations through the Technical Committee on: stock boundaries; biological analyses; catch history of Chile; sightings re-analyses and catch limits for IMS stocks.
Peruvian stock
The Scientific Committee discussed sightings and catch per unit effort
analyses and recommended a new compilation of the latter.
Two alterative proposals were presented: that the stock should be PS with a
zero catch limit or unclassified with a catch limit of 340, the average catch
from 1973 to 1981.
It was noted that a sightings and marking cruise is proposed in this area.
There was extensive discussion in Technical Committee on the uncertainties in the assessments and Peru's belief that the stock is in a healthy condition and stable, before a recommendation for classification as PS with a zero catch limit was approved by majority vote.
This recommendation was not seconded in the Commission, where Peru, taking into account the social and economic consequences proposed a catch limit of 180 whales for the 1983 season, with two footnotes:
This was seconded by Uruguay and Japan.
Peru explained that the second footnote referred to the research cruise, the results of which will be reported to the Scientific Committee next year before the catch limit for 1984 is set.
Uruguay, Costa Rica and Argentina stated that their votes in favour of the proposal were due to the reservation stated by Peru in ratifying the Convention concerning its rights within its 200 mile exclusive economic zone. The proposal failed to receive the three-quarters majority necessary to amend the Schedule, with 12 votes in favour, 5 against and 15 abstentions.
Following adjournment of debate on this item, Sweden, seconded by the USA and Antigua, proposed a catch limit of 100. This was amended by Uruguay, seconded by Costa Rica, Spain and Oman to 165, which was adopted by 12 votes for and 3 against, with 17 abstentions. It was understood that the footnote referring to the season starting in November would be continued.
North Pacific
Western stock
Two methods of analysis were updated by the Scientific Committee although
there was some concern about one.
It recommended classification as IMS with a catch limit of 536, slightly
increased because of the updating.
This was agreed by the Technical Committee and adopted by the Commission where
the proposal was seconded by Japan.
Eastern stock
This has never been substantially exploited and the Technical Committee
accepted the recommendation that it remains IMS with a zero catch limit.
The Commission adopted this proposal, seconded by Australia.
East China Sea stock
There have been no catches reported since 1974 except for one whale in 1981
and no whaling is conducted by the People's Republic of China.
The Scientific Committee recommended that the stock should be unclassified
with a catch limit of either 19 or zero.
This classification was accepted by the Technical Committee, which also recommended a zero catch limit pending new information, after defeating by a majority vote an amendment to maintain the limit of 19.
The People's Republic of China seconded this recommendation in the Commission, but the Commission adopted by consensus an amendment proposed by Japan, seconded by Iceland and the Republic of Korea, for a catch limit of 10.
North Atlantic
This stock was not discussed by the Scientific Committee and it recommended
that it remains IMS with a zero catch limit pending a satisfactory estimate of
stock size.
This was agreed by the Technical Committee and approved by the Commission.
Northern Indian Ocean
Sightings reports were considered by the Scientific Committee which
recommended that this stock remains unclassified with a zero catch limit.
This was agreed by the Technical Committee and adopted by the Commission.
13.3.6 Bottlenose whales
Northern bottlenose
Research necessary to assess this stock has not been carried out and the
Technical Committee accepted the recommendation that this stock remain PS,
which was agreed by the Commission.
Baird's beaked whale
The Scientific Committee reviewed the fishery, the catch per unit of effort
and the distribution of this species.
It was unable to recommend classification on the basis of current knowledge
and identified research required to assess the status of this stock.
It believed that continuation of the present catches would not seriously
affect the stock in the short period.
In Technical Committee, St Lucia stated that it believes the IWC should regulate catches because the species is larger than the minke and killer whales already regulated. It was concerned about the declining catches and concentration of effort in a small area.
Japan spoke of the long history of the fishery from the 17th century. The fishery is local and has declined due to market factors but the species is widely distributed across the Pacific. Although there are no catch limits, whaling vessels are licensed and it was conscious of its obligations following the Law of the Sea. There were assurances from Japan that neither the use of the cold grenade harpoon, nor factory ship processing occurs with this species.
Following inconclusive discussion on the Commission's competence to set catch limits for this species under the Convention, Japan offered to recommend to its government that a voluntary catch limit of 40 should be incorporated in its domestic regulations. It would also carry out the research proposed to the extent feasible.
The Commission noted the Japanese statement and took no further action for the time being. It was emphasised that the legal position is not prejudiced.
Australia indicated the need to establish a procedure to settle the problem of the Commission's competence under the 1946 Convention to set catch limits for the Baird's beaked whale in the North Pacific. It suggested that action should be initiated before the next Meeting, and the Commission agreed that the Secretary should write to Contracting Governments seeking their views. These would be considered by a Steering Committee comprising Australia, Japan, the Netherlands (convenor), Norway, the Seychelles and the UK, which will prepare a report on the material received for the next Annual Meeting.
13.3.7 Protected Species
Bowheads (except Bering Sea stock)
The Scientific Committee recommended all stocks should remain PS with a zero
catch limit, and that they should continue to be given complete protection
from all forms of hunting.
This was endorsed by the Technical Committee and agreed by the Commission, along with the recommendation that national groups undertake research on the impact of the unknown effects of oil and gas development, including proposed year-round tanker traffic.
The Scientific Committee also requested details of aerial surveys carried out on the Hudson Bay/Davis Strait stock.
Right whales
The Scientific Committee believes that the North Pacific population remains
small; and recommended continuation of photo-identification studies in the
North Atlantic to monitor population status, especially in view of proposals
for accelerated petroleum transportation and refining.
The Commission adopted the recommendations through the Technical Committee that:
Blue whales
The Scientific Committee recommended that Icelandic sightings data for 1980 be
provided and that Spanish sightings should be forwarded to the Secretariat.
The Technical Committee endorsed these recommendations which were approved by the Commission, as well as the classification for all stocks as PS and the proposal that a reassessment of Antarctic and pygmy blue whale stocks should be undertaken as soon as possible.
Humpback whales
The Technical Committee endorsed and the Commission agreed the recommendation
of the Scientific Committee that all stocks should remain PS as well as six
research recommendations on:
Gray whales - Western Pacific stock
There was no new information and the Commission accepted the recommendation
through the Technical Committee that, because the stock is extremely depleted,
it should remain PS.
_