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 The Chilean film is finally shown in its full entirety after
tea. Then we hear the report of the Scientific Committee concerning whale
stocks. The first one to be reported by the new Chair of the Scientific
Committee, Dr Arne Bjorge, concerns minke whales in Antarctica. After his
report, Australia notes the large apparent decline (some 60%) between the second
Antarctic survey and the latest one. Japan, by contrast, comments on the good
progress being made, and we move on.
Minke whales in the Western North
Pacific are examined next. The Scientific Committee chair stresses the need for
countries to co-operate to properly understand these whale stocks. Korea
congratulates the Scientific Committee on its work and invites scientists to a
workshop in Ulsan (the location of last year's IWC) next September. Japan (this
time the Commissioner speaking) notes progress on J stock and looks forward to
the workshop.
As we look around the room we see that most delegation and
almost all observers are lacking headsets – this means that when delegates speak
in languages other than English (for example Japanese) few people are following
them.
We next encounter some microphone problems because the Scientific
Committee chair, attempting the next part of his report cannot be heard. He is
moved up to the podium and now reports on Southern Humpbacks. Given that Japan
plans to start killing these animals in the Southern Ocean next year, this is a
particularly hot potato.
New Zealand says it is very grateful for the
attention given by the Scientific Committee. The Commissioner notes that this
matter is urgent because of the plan of Japan to take them next year. This is
particularly of concern because of the small size of some stocks. He refers to
non-lethal research and the complexity of stocks now found to exist. To risk
causing the extinction of one or more of these small stocks [by hunting them] is
not responsible. Australia concurs. He also notes with great concern that the
data available are not adequate to show where small and vulnerable populations
exist and he too stresses the risk from the Japanese hunt.
Japan replies
that we had the same discussion last year and that there is no proof of small
stocks in the hunting area.
The Scientific Committee report on this
matter is accepted.
We move on to the issue of blue whales… but once
again the voice of Chairman Arne Bjorge is silenced by a malfunctioning
microphone on the main stage. He moves to the back of the room and tries again
from there.. his voice booms out again. He completes his report.
Now,
the IWC Chairman’s microphone stops working. He cups his hands and shouts his
congratulations to the Scientific Committee for its work. Brazil and Argentina
(who do have working microphones) congratulate Chile on their work in this
field.
… and now the relay to the interpreters is not working and the
meeting grinds to another halt. The Chair calls for the technicians to go and
‘re-vitalise’ the interpreters.
Five minutes later, we are back on the
road and this next part of the Scientific Committee is adopted. We then work
through various other ‘small stocks’ and this includes the western North Pacific
Grey Whales. The Scientific Committee stresses the endangered nature of these
stocks. Conflicting advice was received, he adds, concerning possible impacts on
the gray whales of industrial development in Sakhalin. Finally, he lists the
recommendations made by the Scientific Committee to help better understand this
small population and the call on China in particular to help in this
matter.
Netherlands notes his concerns about the grays and notes that the
Commission has previously exhibited its consensus to help these animals. The
Austrian Scientist re-iterates concerns and suggests that the reputation of the
IWC is at stake here because of status of these animals. He calls for even
greater efforts to be made. The Mexican Commissioner, congratulates the
Scientific Committee on its work and echoes what was said previously. The
alternate Commissioner for the UK also notes the resolution agreed last year by
the IWC last year which focused on data sharing and avoiding bycatch. Sweden
makes a similar statement, as does the US… and then we get stuck again…. because
Korea’s microphone does not work.
A few minutes stagger by and then
Korea is able to explain that they are helping to monitor the migration. Japan
notes that they too are on the migration route for this population and that
coastal fishermen have been told not to interfere with whales and to release any
animals in nets. Unfortunately, three whales were caught in nets last year, so
the government repeated it advice. Germany supports others that have called for
action to help this population.
 There is no other business and so the
meeting is closed… until 9am tomorrow when we start with Aboriginal Subsistence
Whaling. Now off to the reception.
At the House of the Governor
General.
At the Governor General, Sir Cuthbert Sebastian’s, villa,
delegates gather to eat, drink, chat and sweat in the humid evening air. There
is much sweating in the queues waiting for the battalion of small buses that
move delegates across the island. Then there is much more sweating waiting in
long queues to sign the visitors book before entering the villa. Finally, out in
the garden there is just general sweating …. But there are also speeches, music
and dancing …. Actually it is a splendid event and enjoyed by most
delegates.
Meanwhile Japan is gathering more votes…. Stay tuned.
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