RECALLING that the International Whaling Commission has repeatedly recognised the socio-economic and cultural needs of the four community-based whaling communities in Japan and the increasing distress to these communities which has resulted from the whaling moratorium (first, IWC/45/51; most recently, IWC Resolution 2000-1);

RECALLING further that the Commission has repeatedly resolved to work expeditiously to alleviate the distress to the communities which has resulted from the cessation of minke whaling (first, IWC/45/51; most recently, IWC Resolution 2000-1); and

NOTING the widespread recognition in various UN covenants, conventions, and other documents, of the importance for communities to continue customary resource use practices on a sustainable basis,

NOW THEREFORE THE COMMISSION

REAFFIRMS the Commission’s commitment to work expeditiously to alleviate the distress caused by the cessation of minke whaling to the communities of Abashiri, Ayukawa, Wadaura and Taiji.