IWC held its 60th Annual Meeting in Santiago, Chile, from June 21 - 28.  ASOC urged the IWC to take four key actions:

-The IWC should instruct its Scientific Committee to arrange for the preparation of a comprehensive, nonlethal and long-term programme of research to (a) study and monitor the changes in the Southern Ocean
ecosystem as they may affect whales and (b) to track the expected recovery of whale populations and the Antarctic ecosystem structure and properties since the 1982 decision setting all commercial whaling catch limits to zero for an indefinite time (the “moratorium”) and the designation of the Southern Ocean as a sanctuary in 1994.

-The IWC should urge its members not to issue further Special Permits for the taking of whales under Article VIII of the ICRW.

-The IWC should agree to take the necessary actions to draw up a management plan for the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary.

-The IWC should invite the international organizations and national authorities engaged in research on climate change, especially in polar regions, and the interpretation of its consequences for human life and natural ecosystems, to include in their studies, reports and advice information regarding cetaceans and their conservation.

Additional Meeting Information:

Papers:

ASOC Opening Statement

ASOC Background Paper

Statement by Dr. Mamadou Diallo on behalf of the WWF and environmental NGOs. (in English and French)

ECOs Published at the 60th IWC:

ECO #1

ECO #2

ECO #3

ECO#4