Resolution on Small Populations of Highly Endangered Whales

RECALLING THAT the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling recognises the interests of the nations of the world in safeguarding the great natural resources represented by the whale stocks;

NOTING THAT the following small populations, (numbering 500 or less), of great whales remain highly endangered from previous over-exploitation and some are threatened with extinction:

FURTHER NOTING that some of these small populations have been subjected in recent years to direct takes and anthropogenic sources of mortality, including by-catches and ship strikes;

NOW THEREFORE THE COMMISSION:
WELCOMES the initial agenda for the 2000 meeting of the Scientific Committee at which the status and trends of small populations of highly endangered great whales will be discussed and the summary findings reported to the Commission;

ENCOURAGES member and non-member governments to send appropriate representatives and documents to the next meeting of the Scientific Committee to facilitate this work;

CALLS UPON all governments whose nationals have in recent years taken whales from any of these populations of highly endangered whales to refrain from authorising any further takes until the Scientific Committee concludes that adequate scientific advice is available to demonstrate that such takes will not cause a continued threat to the survival or recovery of these populations;

REQUESTS that the Secretariat transmit the text of this Resolution to the Government of Canada.