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Press Releases

11 June 1998 - WCW Resolution Entered into US Congressional Record

The resolution adopted by the World Council of Whalers at its First Annual General Meeting was entered into the US Congressional Record on June 11, 1998, after the following address to the 105th Congress, Second Session, by the Hon. Richard W. Pombo of California:

Mr. Pombo: Mr Speaker, from March second to March sixth 1998, the First General Assembly of the World Council of Whalers took place in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. More than 125 representatives from twenty-three nations were in attendance including both government officials and non-government observers.

Over the course of the discussion, one of the main topics was the adverse impact of protectionist campaigns and associated government policies. These have affected traditional whaling, food security, nutrition, and religious and cultural identities of humankind from the Arctic Ocean regions to nations in the Pacific Ocean, and from Scandinavia to the Caribbean. The sustainable use of renewable marine and wildlife resources under proper management is a commitment the international community should recognize and support. And yet we have witnessed that in many cases emotion and subjective philosophies have become national policy regarding certain species. If the scientific evidence supports consumptive use of a renewable resource that provides food, economic, cultural and religious benefit to people it should be permitted regardless of whether the subject species is an elephant, a plant, a tree or a whale. This is a commitment the community of nations must make if true conservation of flora and fauna is to be successful on this planet.

At the conclusion of the General Assembly a resolution was passed that I suggest my colleagues review. Although the basic concept of the resolution calls for the recognition of sustainable use of non-endangered whales, it is important to note that its application could apply to any species. This is a fundamental principle that should be recognized by governments when formulating policy on the international regulation of whaling.