IWC 70 Day Four
Day 4 began with the customary review of outcomes from the previous day as prepared by the ever hardworking Secretariat.
The inevitable question of Quorum was first on the morning’s Agenda with discussion centred on the need to clarify the Drafting Group’s mandate. The ultimate aim is to be able to present an agreed draft that will pass by consensus at IWC71.
Progress was made with the adoption of the modified “Code of Conduct” with much clearer definitions for Privacy and Harassment, bringing the document in line with the UN’s Code of Conduct.
The several working groups reported back on their attempts to reach consensus on the respective resolutions, on Fish Maw trade, Vessel Strikes, Strandings, Quorum and the Hobart Declaration. It looked as if only the drafting group on Strandings was on target to reach consensus. The Chair was adamant that the Hobart Declaration must achieve consensus or fail.
The next task before the Commission was adoption of the Scientific Committee’s (SC) report. SC chair Dr Lindsey Porter reviewed several aspects of the work of the SC answering several questions that had arisen after the report was first introduced earlier in the week. These were comprehensive and well received. Dr Porter outlined new software being developed by the SC to aid determination of concerns and and any possible extinction alerts needed. The Chair congratulated China on its efforts to save Yangtze Sea River dolphin.
A world map of participating scientists showed how far reaching the work of the SC is globally, extending beyond IWC members.
Again the United States registered their objection to the use of ‘climate change”. While the Chair noted this objection he noted that this would not necessarily impede the US from accepting the report.
Thanks was given to Dr Porter who is stepping down in her role as Chair of the SC. She will be succeeded by Dr Aimée Lang who is the current Vice Chair. Dr Thomas Nelson now become Vice Chair.
The NGO Humane World for Animals made sure that notice was made to the consequences of the krill fishery and the “overlap” it has with the Southern Right Whale. On day one the the Bob Brown Foundation and Whales Alive did a demonstration both outside and inside of the hotel about this issue. Strong voices rang out in the Atrium “Krill Fishing Kills Whales and from the Mezzanine level a huge banner was draped over the balcony of the Atrium for all to see. In the lobby outside the meeting room a cold water tank with a block of ice held several krill – very effective.
The NGO from Iceland noted how whales are redistributing as a response to changing environmental conditions and that whaling should cease at least until there is greater understanding of what is the status of these fragile populations.
Jeff from Whaleman Foundation alerted everyone to the plight of the Pacific Gray Whale whose numbers have decreased significantly from a recovery peak of 26000 to just 13000 in recent years. Gray Whales are showing signs of extreme stress.
After lunch, the Plenary fell back to discussing the problem of quorum, near endless as to what mandate was actually given to the drafting working group who will work inter sessionally to find solutions. It was obvious Antigua and Barbuda was attempting to remove all discussion of Proposal 2 in favour of only adopting Proposal 1 which favoured the status quo with few improvements. The United States , who chair Finances and Administration offered clarity as to how elements of Proposal 2 should be incorporated. Antigua and Barbuda relented and Plenary continued.
The Budget took precedence in the afternoon. The iWC cannot operate without a budget. Discussion wavered in attempt to find some sort of compromise. A proposed 6% increase had been rejects. The Budget sub committee reviewed estimates and found additional means to cut costs . It was proposed that a figure of 3% might be possible. Mexico still found this problematic and would have to check with its government. Norway suggested 3.5% would be acceptable. Several countries agreed with Norway but the discussion was shelved until the next day when Mexico had time to consult.
The day had been about a lot of nuts and bolts but not many decisions . Just one day to go and a lot of work still to be done!
By Helena Symonds,
For Dolphin Connection
