Source: «Irish Proposal,» Opening Statement Of The Government Of Ireland, International Whaling Commission, 1997 (IWC/49/OS Ireland).

IRISH PROPOSAL

Ireland became a member of IWC in 1985 with a clear objective to promote the conservation of whales. The context of the time was that following a long period of overexploitation several populations were endangered and a moratorium on commercial whaling had been put in place to give time to allow species to recover and to allow member states to devise a management system which would make the whales safe from over-exploitation for the future.

Now, in 1997, we have reached a stage where it is clear that some whale populations are recovering and a lot of progress has been made on developing the Revised Management Scheme (RMS) to control future whaling. Nevertheless, the IWC is at an impasse. Despite the moratorium, the IWC does not now control or regulate all whaling in the world. Whaling takes place legally in accordance with the Convention under objection to the moratorium or under Article VIII. Such whaling has increased from 383 whales in 1992 to 1,043 whales 1997. This trend is a matter of concern to Ireland.

There are major differences of opinion within IWC ranging from members for whom taking of whales is an important part of their culture to members who believe that whales are special animals which should not be killed. In between are members who consider whales are a resource which may be exploited provided this is done in a controlled and sustainable manner.

The people of Ireland do not take whales and have declared Irish waters as a sanctuary for whales. Nevertheless we recognise that it is part of other cultures to take and use whales. In that context, Ireland's role in IWC is to ensure that any whaling which takes place, does so in a manner which ensures that no population of whales will be endangered.

The Irish delegation has become increasingly concerned that the inability of IWC to reach a consensus on fundamental questions concerning the RMS and other issues will lead to a breakup of the IWC with detrimental effects on the conservation of whales. We believe that the populations of whales have not been given sufficient time to recover fully from excessive catches in the past and that it is not appropriate at this time to agree to the resumption of commercial whaling. We believe, however, that between the extremes of zero whaling and full scale commercial whaling, there may be scope to reach a consensus of all parties to limit whaling for the medium term.

Following discussions with a wide range of interested parties Ireland wishes to put forward the following ideas for consideration by member states:

 

• 1) The Revised Management Scheme should be completed and adopted. The scheme must be conservative and provide in particular for inspection and observation procedures that will engender public confidence.

• 2) Where quotas are justified under the RMS, these should be restricted to coastal areas only and to nations who are now whaling. This would result in a de facto sanctuary over the oceans of the world.

• 3) Quotas should be issued for local consumption only. This would avoid the pressure on whaling which would arise from international trade.

• 4) Lethal scientific whaling should be phased out over a period.

• 5) Regulations for whale-watching should be prepared to minimise the impacts of disturbance on whale populations.

   

We realise these proposals are not easy for any of the parties to IWC but would hope that in a spirit of compromise they might form the basis of discussions which may lead to consensus. The Irish delegation will seek at IWC 49 to promote such discussions.