20. WHALEWATCHING

(from "Chairman's Report of the Forty-Fifth Annual Meeting")


20.1 Submission from the UK
The UK introduced a paper describing how whalewatching has developed during the last decade reflecting changes in the public perception of cetaceans as well as the global expansion of tourism. There are whalewatching enterprises in all continents. Total annual global revenue is now estimated at $320 million, and is rising at an average of 49% each year. Whalewatching also provides important secondary benefits for environmental education and cetacean research. The industry has considerable further potential but requires careful regulation to ensure that whale populations are protected against disturbance. The UK believed that the IWC can play an important role by collecting and disseminating information, providing advice about the use of whalewatching for cetacean research, and preparing guidelines to set high standards of practice for the industry. It put forward a Resolution covering these issues, co-sponsored by Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Finland, France, Germany, Netherlands, New Zealand, Seychelles, South Africa, Sweden, and the USA.

Switzerland supported the Resolution, as in its view the IWC is competent to deal with this matter. The USA emphasised that the goal of optimum utilisation is not limited to lethal utilisation; the potential for scientific research and economic benefits to local communities; and the possibility for voluntary funding to cover Commission costs.

France, Spain, New Zealand, Brazil, Australia, Monaco, Netherlands, St Lucia, Argentina and India all spoke in support of the original Resolution. Japan voiced its concerns on the term sustainable use as applied to whalewatching, the regulations which may be necessary, the priority these tasks should have in the Commission, and whether the revenue generated should be reflected in financial contributions by governments.

Denmark suggested that the proposed report about whalewatching should include its possible impact on whale stocks, and this was supported by Ireland, together with including relevant regulations within the RMS. St Vincent and The Grenadines also thought that technical advice was necessary.

Norway agreed with Australia that whalewatching should not be given a high priority.

After further discussion of the best way forward, the Commission agreed to adopt the Resolution as originally worded (Appendix 9). This sets up a Working Group which will also consider all the suggestions raised in the debate, together with other aspects of whalewatching activities to give the broadest possible dimension as proposed by St Lucia. All the submissions will be forwarded through government channels for consolidation by the Secretariat before consideration by the Working Group.

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