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

10.2.1 Management objectives and procedure for aboriginal subsistence whaling
The Scientific Committee repeated its request that the Commission consider the question of objectives and provide advice that could be used in the development of a new aboriginal subsistence whaling scheme. In the absence of this advice the Scientific Committee was not in a position to discuss the item.

Similarly, until such information was provided, the Scientific Committee was unable to offer advice on the carryover of catch limits or strikes in the context of a new Aboriginal Whaling Scheme.

10.2.2 Bering-Chukchi-Beaufort Seas stock of bowhead whales
The Scientific Committee had no new information on stock identification, migration or distribution. It reviewed the catch history of commercial catches, abundance and trend estimates and estimation procedures. The Scientific Committee agreed that the 1988 Bayes Empirical Bayes estimate of 7,500 (with 95% probability interval 6,400 - 9,200) was the best estimate to use for assessment purposes. The best available estimation of current population size in 1993 was approximately 8,000 (95% confidence interval 6,900 - 9,200). The Scientific Committee agreed that the Bayesian synthesis approach takes full account of the evidence and uncertainty about bowhead life history, abundance and age distribution, so that the consequent assessment could be accepted as a basis for advice. The Scientific Committee agreed on a median value of 199 for replacement yield (95% probability interval 97,300 and the 5th percentile, 104).

The Scientific Committee agreed that the current improved estimates of abundance and the view that the population is increasing towards MSYL meant that there is no scientific reason to recommend the take of smaller animals and avoidance of older animals and reproductive females as in the past.

Under the Aboriginal Whaling Scheme, the Committee is required to provide advice on the size of the stock in relation both to the MSY level and 'a minimum level below which whales shall not be taken'.

The Bering-Chukchi-Beaufort Seas stock of bowhead whales is clearly well above the latter minimum level, given that it has been increasing under a regime of catches of some 15-50 animals since 1978. Although it was unable to provide an estimate for the MSY level in terms of mature females, the Committee agreed that on the assumption that the level lies between 0.4 and 0.8, there is a very high probability that the number of mature females as a proportion of the pre-exploitation number is currently below that level. As long as annual removals are below 104, the stock will, with 95% probability, continue to move towards the MSY level, at a rate depending on the annual level of catch.

The Technical Committee endorsed a series of technical recommendations made by the Scientific Committee.

There was extensive discussion within the Aboriginal Subsistence Whaling sub-committee on a presentation from the USA on the cultural and subsistence needs of the Alaska Eskimo population, based on updated census data. The estimated annual population growth rate for the ten whaling villages (now including Little Diomede) was 4.7% between 1990 and 1992.

On the basis of the information submitted, the USA requested the sub-committee to endorse its request for a need of 51 landed whales. This would result from an annual total of 68 strikes, which is well within the figure for sustainable yield of 104 animals per year given by the Scientific Committee and would enable the bowhead population to increase in line with the IWC's mandate.

10.2.3 North Pacific eastern stock of gray whales
The Scientific Committee was informed that there had been no Russian catch from this stock in 1992 or 1993. Abundance and trend estimates from shore-based censuses led to an estimated annual rate of increase of 2.57% (SE=0.4%). The Scientific Committee considered the indirect effects of human activities, particularly for the gray whale breeding lagoons in Baja California and took special note of Mexico's recognition of and actions to conserve these critical habitats.

The Scientific Committee had no cause to alter its conclusions reached when the stock was last assessed in 1992 that:

(1) this stock is not a Protection Stock;
(2) given lack of information on MSYL, no conclusion could be reached on whether the stock was a Sustained (SMS) or Initial (IMS) Management Stock;
(3) given the recent history of increase under a regime of constant catches, the stock did not fall within the alternative definition of a Sustained Management Stock;
(4) although the Committee was unable to determine the minimum level below which catches should not be taken, as required under the Aboriginal Whaling Scheme (Schedule para. 13), it agreed that the stock was well above such a level.

The Technical Committee endorsed a number of internal technical recommendations from the Scientific Committee.

The Aboriginal Subsistence Whaling sub-committee considered a paper from the Russian Federation which set out the nutritional needs for a proposed annual catch of 140 gray whales. This is less than recent catches because of more efficient use of the products.

In the Technical Committee there was some discussion of the cultural need for this take since there had been no catches for the last two years due to the difficulties of repairing the last whaling vessel. Seals and reindeer had been utilised instead. Mexico considered there was no need for a gray whale catch at the former level, although the USA and Spain could both accept the proposal from the Russian Federation.

10.2.4 West Greenland stock of fin whales
The most recent estimate of the number of fin whales off West Greenland by the Scientific Committee was 1,096 animals (95% CI 520 - 2,106). It is unlikely that the West Greenland fin whales constitute a separate stock but the Scientific Committee was unable to provide any new evidence on stock identity.

The Technical Committee endorsed recommendations for stock identity studies and further aerial surveys.

10.2.5 West Greenland stock of minke whales
The Scientific Committee had an abundance estimate of 8,371 (95% CI 2,414 - 16,929) for the West Greenland coastal area. It believed that these whales do not comprise a separate stock but could give no evidence on the size of catches which would allow the stock to move towards MSYL.

The Technical Committee endorsed recommendations to continue stock identity studies and aerial surveys.

10.2.6 North Atlantic Central stock of minke whales
The most recent estimate of stock size is 28,000 (approximate 95% CI 21,600 - 31,400) obtained in 1990.

The Aboriginal Subsistence Whaling sub-committee considered four papers from Denmark covering all the above fin and minke whale stocks. It identified sustainable and equitable whaling practices as applied to the Greenland situation. It concluded that whaling was an important component of sustainable development strategies for Greenlandic communities requiring continued monitoring of whale stocks and active cooperation between hunters and government authorities. It confirmed that the present quota for fin and minke whales was equivalent to 420 tonnes compared with the accepted need of 670 tonnes in West Greenland.

10.2.7 North Atlantic humpback whales
No whales were struck in the 1994 season and the Scientific Committee agreed that a catch of three whales would be unlikely to harm the stock. The Technical Committee endorsed the recommendation that, if whales are taken, every effort should be made to collect as much information as possible, in particular photographs of the ventral surface of the flukes and tissue samples for genetic studies.

The Aboriginal Subsistence Whaling sub-committee received a document from St Vincent and The Grenadines which included information on the value and distribution of products.

10.3 Action arising
10.3.1 Aboriginal Whaling Management Scheme
The Technical Committee forwarded the views from the Aboriginal Subsistence Whaling sub-committee that the Commission should instruct the Scientific Committee to begin work on an aboriginal whaling management scheme before the completion of the RMS. Some delegations expressed the opinion that some of the 1982 guidelines were unsatisfactory and the Commission should provide guidance to the Scientific Committee to enable it to begin its review straight away. Other delegations did not share this opinion regarding the 1982 guidelines, but agreed that the Scientific Committee might begin a review of possible alternative management regimes. A proposal from Spain to facilitate this process (slightly amended) was forwarded for consideration by the Plenary.

In the Plenary, Spain spoke in support of a Resolution submitted by the USA, Denmark and the Russian Federation for the Scientific Committee to begin a review of aboriginal subsistence management procedures. The USA pointed out that while the sponsors feel that the existing aboriginal subsistence regime is adequate, it agreed it would be appropriate for the Scientific Committee to review alternatives. The Netherlands expressed its support now that the work of the Scientific Committee on the RMP for commercial whaling has been completed. The Resolution (Appendix 4) was adopted by consensus.

10.3.2 Bering-Chukchi-Beaufort Seas stock of bowhead whales
The USA introduced its proposal and explanation for catch limits for the years 1995, 1996 and 1997 of 51 landed whales which, with a 75% efficiency, requires 68 strikes each year. There was a measure of support within the Technical Committee but a number of delegations identified areas of concern and expressed their reservations. The Technical Committee therefore was not able to put forward a firm recommendation but encouraged further discussion between delegations and the USA.

Subsequently, in the Plenary, the USA introduced a revised proposal. It proposed that the total of whales landed in the four years 1995-98 should not exceed 204, with a maximum number of 68 strikes in 1995, 67 in 1996, 66 in 1997 and 65 in 1998. Any unused strikes can be carried over to the following years, with a maximum of 10 added to any one year.

Denmark, the Russian Federation, St Vincent and The Grenadines, Spain and Sweden expressed their support.

The Netherlands felt unease over the increased catch proposed. It would have preferred a more cautious approach and was concerned to know more about the meat yield these catches represent. It also raised the question of an observer scheme for this operation and the need for an annual review. This position was shared by the UK and Ireland, while Australia emphasised the need for annual review and close contact with the fishery to be maintained. Switzerland had the same concerns as the Netherlands and wondered why an increase in catch from the numbers taken from 1848 to 1993 was needed. Argentina had a similar reservation.

The proposal, as an amendment to paragraph 13(b)(1) of the Schedule shown in Appendix 21, was nevertheless adopted unanimously. Australia asked that the strike carryover element should be reviewed next year when it was clarified that there was no limit to the number that could be carried forward from any season.

10.3.3 North Pacific eastern stock of gray whales
The Russian Federation referred to its document setting out the basis of the claim for a reduced catch limit of 140 gray whales per year. Discussion of this request demonstrated broad support within the Technical Committee for such a quota but it was noted that some discussions may still occur on replacement of whale meat from other food sources.

In the Plenary, the Russian Federation asked for support for its proposal, which was given by the USA and Spain. Australia spoke of its close and critical examination of issues of need and stock levels arising from its dedication to concern for traditional cultures and peoples, and in this context also agreed to this particular quota. France, Denmark, Sweden and Germany also voiced their support, and the Commission agreed to amend Schedule paragraph 13(b)(ii)(1) and Table 1 to set the catch limit for this stock for each of the three years 1995, 1996 and 1997 at 140 whales, as shown in Appendix 21.

10.3.4 Greenland stocks of fin and minke whales
Denmark spoke of the need recognised by the IWC for 670 tonnes of whale meat which has been supported by much documentation in recent years. It proposed that for the years 1995, 1996 and 1997 the East Greenland minke whale catch should remain at 12 animals a year; the West Greenland catch of fin whales should be maintained at 21 animals a year; but that the West Greenland minke whale quota should be increased to 165 whales struck a year with a total of 450 in the three year period.

This proposal received a measure of support within the Technical Committee, but a number of delegations wished to see the proposal in writing before they could commit themselves to the increase in the West Greenland minke whale catch proposed.

In the Plenary, Denmark introduced a revised proposal to take account of the comments it had received. This reduced the West Greenland fin whale figure to 19, and increased the West Greenland minke whale three year total to 465 with a limit of 165 a year. The East Greenland minke whale quota remains unchanged at 12 for the new three year period.

Support for this amended proposal was given by Spain, Sweden, Finland, St Vincent and The Grenadines, France, Brazil, Germany, Republic of Korea and the USA, and it was then agreed by consensus. The resulting amendments to the Schedule Table 1, the footnotes and paragraph 13(b)(iii) are given in Appendix 21.

_