UK Marks 80 Years of the International Whaling Commission with £150,000 Investment in Global Strandings Database and Firm Anti-Whaling Commitment

This week marked the 40th anniversary of the global ban on commercial whaling, a significant milestone as the UK government reaffirmed its steadfast opposition to this practice during the 70th meeting of the International Whaling Commission (IWC).

Whales, dolphins, and porpoises have captivated human interest for centuries, and their presence continues to inspire awe and curiosity among the public. The protection of these magnificent creatures for future generations is a key priority for the UK.

Strengthening Cetacean Protection Through Collaboration

At this year’s IWC meeting, which also celebrated the organisation’s 80th anniversary, UK representatives successfully garnered additional support for the conservation of cetaceans by co-sponsoring a resolution that highlights the significance of responding to and researching cetacean strandings. This resolution was adopted with overwhelming consensus.

A cetacean stranding occurs when a whale, dolphin, or porpoise washes ashore, either dead or alive. These events can provide critical insights into the health of these animals, shedding light on causes of death and highlighting broader environmental threats such as pollution, entanglement in fishing gear, and collisions with vessels.

To facilitate this important work, the UK has allocated £150,000 towards establishing a new Global Cetacean Strandings Database. This initiative aims to enhance international cooperation and improve the sharing of vital information.

The newly adopted resolution will ensure that data related to strandings is utilised more effectively within the IWC’s operations, thereby fostering improved coordination, evidence-based decision-making, and prompt responses to distressed animals.

Commitment to Conservation and Research

International Oceans Minister Stephen Morgan commented:

“Whales are awe-inspiring creatures, and we must continue to protect them while striving to eliminate the unnecessarily cruel practice of commercial whaling globally. I am proud of the significant role the United Kingdom has played in championing the moratorium and advancing crucial initiatives related to strandings, which will deepen our understanding of the threats faced by whales, dolphins, and porpoises worldwide.”

Defra Chief Scientific Advisor Anjali Goswami added:

“Witnessing a whale stranding is an incredibly distressing experience, and with hundreds of whales washing ashore across the UK each year, it is essential that we learn from every incident. Strandings data is one of our most valuable scientific tools for understanding the evolving threats to these magnificent animals and for facilitating prompt assistance when they are in distress.”

“Our £150,000 contribution to the Global Cetacean Strandings Database will ensure that this critical evidence can be shared and acted upon more effectively on a global scale.”

Leadership and Achievements at IWC70

During the IWC70 meeting, the UK also concluded a two-year term chairing two of the IWC’s key committees: the Conservation Committee and the Scientific Committee. Under UK leadership, the Conservation Committee successfully doubled the number of active Conservation Management Plans to ten, enhancing practical measures to address bycatch through pilot projects in five locations and providing mitigation training in three areas.

This year, the Committee received a record number of national conservation reports, agreed upon a new Strategic Plan aligned with global biodiversity objectives, and implemented financial reforms to secure sustainable funding for conservation efforts.

The UK remains steadfastly opposed to commercial whaling and continues to urge those nations that still engage in whale hunting to cease their activities. This international commitment is paralleled by domestic efforts aimed at understanding and mitigating the pressures faced by whales, dolphins, and porpoises in UK waters, including through the UK Cetacean Conservation Strategy and various domestic strandings programmes.

Global Collaboration for Cetacean Protection

The IWC serves as the sole global entity with the authority to manage and protect cetaceans on an international level. The UK is determined to collaborate with other nations to ensure that the IWC can execute its mission effectively and sustainably.