Resolution on DNA Testing

RECALLING THAT the Commission is developing a Revised Management Scheme that will require regular updates on relevant new methods and technologies for the inspection and monitoring of commercial whaling operations;

NOTING THAT one of the most promising of these technologies is DNA-based identification of market products and genetic typing of known catches;

THE COMMISSION NOW THEREFORE:
REQUESTS the Scientific Committee to establish an agenda item to provide annual reports on progress in the following areas:

a. Genetic methods for species, stock and individual identification;

b. Collection and archiving of tissue samples from catches and by-catch;

c. Status of and conditions for access to reference databases of DNA sequences or microsatellite profiles derived from directed catches, by-catch, frozen stockpiles and products impounded or seized because of suspected infractions.

AND FURTHER REQUESTS the Scientific Committee to provide advice to the Commission on the development and implementation of a transparent and verifiable system of identification and tracking of products derived from whales taken under the RMP, and to provide a means to differentiate such products from those taken outside the RMP.