Enhancing CCAMLR’s Role in Whale Conservation

Recent scientific studies on cetaceans in the Southern Ocean have revealed that the moratorium on commercial whaling has been successful in helping many whale populations rebound.  Humpback whales having recovered to over 80% of their estimated pre-whaling population size, and fin whales are also present in greater numbers. There is also growing evidence to support the strongly positive role that whales play in ocean health, including carbon sequestration and nutrient cycling. ASOC recommends that CCAMLR develop a comprehensive approach to support the continued recovery of whales, which will benefit the overall health and functioning of Southern Ocean ecosystems. This approach should include enhancing cooperation between SC-CAMLR and the Scientific Committee of the IWC, exploring the adoption of a move-on rule to minimize the overlap between whales and krill fishing vessels, distributing the krill catch on a precautionary basis, implementing IMO guidance for non-SOLAS vessels on voyage planning and cetaceans, and designating an MPA in Domain 1.