| 09/14/2006 02:47:14 PM
 Signalling a new era of regional leadership, today
Samoa, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Niue, Vanuatu, New
Zealand, Australia and France on behalf of their Pacific Territories French
Polynesia, New Caledonia and Wallis and Futuna signed an important agreement to
protect and conserve whales and dolphins in the Pacific Islands Region. Other
Pacific Islands Countries and Territories indicated their intent to sign as soon
as possible.
The agreement, negotiated under the Convention on Migratory
Species of Wild Animals (CMS), covers a vast region spanning between the Tropic
of Cancer and 60 degrees south latitude and between 130 degrees east longitude
and 120 degrees west longitude. It also covers all whales and dolphins in the
region and addresses all threats that they face. This makes it the largest (by
area) comprehensive whale and dolphin protection agreement in the world.
“As is often the case, the Pacific Islands Region is showing
unparalleled global leadership in this important area of whale and dolphin
conservation. The agreement gives the region a platform to stand with a solid
voice against threats to whales and dolphins beyond its territory” said Margi
Prideaux, Global CMS Programme Leader for WDCS.
The signing of the
agreement marks the beginning of a process that will lead to real on-ground
tangible results for the region and the whales and dolphins that call this
region home.
Measures to bring dolphin interactions with fisheries to an
end can be developed. Regional policies can be implemented to minimize the
impacts of noise pollution. We can look for an end to the drive hunts in the
region and aim for a future where no dolphin captures take place for public
display in captivity.
It will be possible to protect the breeding
grounds crucial to migratory whale survival so that whales will be able to bring
their calves into a protected world. Together this threat mitigation will make a
difference to literally thousands of animals.
“WDCS commends each of the
Pacific Countries and Territories that have signed for their leadership and
commitment to the goals of this agreement. We believe this will make a
difference to literally thousands of animals in the Pacific Islands Region”
Margi Prideaux concluded. “The rest of the world should stop and take notice.”
Source: WDCS
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