May

Whaling ban validated, as anti-whalers strike back In a strong vote for the protection of whales, the International Whaling Commission (IWC) has today overwhelmingly validated the commercial whaling ban, effectively overturning last year’s statement by a temporary pro-whaling majority that it was “no longer required”.

Greenland's unsustainable whale hunt is approved The International Whaling Commission (IWC) today finally approved Greenland's request for a dramatically expanded aboriginal subsistence whaling quota despite remaining serious concerns that the quota may be unsustainable.

South Atlantic Sanctuary defeated A proposal to create a whale sanctuary in the South Atlantic has failed to gain approval by the International Whaling Commission, at its 2007 meeting in Anchorage, Alaska. The proposal, presented by Brazil, highlighted the need for the sanctuary in the South Atlantic in order to guarantee the existence of areas free from hunting for the non-lethal management of whale populations in the Southern Hemisphere. Whilst the sanctuary had the support of many member countries, it did not achieve the three-quarters majority required and was defeated by 39 votes for, 29 against with three abstentions. This is not the first time the a South Atlantic Whale Sancuary has been proposed, however it has consistently failed to gain the vote of over three quarters of the Commission due to the large pro-whaling block voting with Japan. Commenting on the vote, WDCS's Sue Fisher said "We are sad to see this important conservation initiative defeated again and disappointed at many of the votes. Of particular note was Denmark’s opposition which, like much of its conduct at this meeting, flies in the face of a solid EU opposition to commercial whaling, and the will of the majority of its citizens. We salute Brazil’s efforts to keep this issue on the IWC’s agenda”.

South Atlantic Sanctuary defeated Whales are left to suffer cruel deaths for the commercial supply of meat in Norway while regulations protect farm animals from pain at slaughter, according to a new report from the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (WDCS) and the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA). Click here to download informational leaflet.

May 29, 2007 - Greenland seeks higher whale hunt quota from the IWC On behalf of its territory Greenland, the Danish government has submitted a proposal to the 59th International Whaling Commission (IWC) meeting for a renewal of Greenland’s Aboriginal Subsistence Whaling (ASW) quota that would see a dramatic expansion in the number of animals hunted including the addition of two new species.

Commercial whaling must not resume! More than 70 countries will gather to decide the fate of the world’s great whales next week when the International Whaling Commission (IWC) meets between 28th and 31st of May in Anchorage, Alaska. Sue Fisher, WDCS Anti-Whaling campaigner says, "Commercial whaling cannot be allowed to resume."

Whaling Wars - The battle to save the whale is set to intensify as countries gather for the annual meeting of the International Whaling Commission. Join our campaign to ensure that whales receive the international protection from hunting they need.

WDCS is the global voice for the protection of whales, dolphins and their environment