CITES rebuffs Japan effort to reopen whale trade

CITES rebuffs Japan’s efforts to reopen whale meat trade

(The Hague, Netherlands – 7 June 2007) –_ Whales scored their second victory in as many weeks today when Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) derailed yet another attempt by Japan to reopen commercial trade in whale products.

"This is a big win for the great whales,” said Patrick Ramage, Global Whale Program Manager with IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare; www.ifaw.org).

Since 1994, Japan and Norway have regularly submitted proposals to CITES seeking to weaken protection for the great whales. This year, Japan proposed a full review of the population status of all 13 great whale species by CITES, while Iceland submitted a proposal for review of the fin whale.

Today’s rejection of these proposals by an overwhelming majority of Parties immediately follows losses for Japan, Iceland and Norway at the annual meeting of the International Whaling Commission (IWC) held in Anchorage, Alaska from May 28 to May 31. The IWC also passed a resolution condemning Japan’s so-called “scientific whaling” program by a significant majority of votes.

“Japan's forum shopping tactics and attempts to resuscitate the whale meat trade have been rejected,” said Mr Ramage. “Today’s decision and the strong conservation majority at last week's IWC meeting signal an emerging global consensus for whale conservation in the 21st century.”

“Given this meeting’s welcome focus on human livelihoods, it is important to note the tremendous economic benefits that responsible whale watching now brings to coastal communities in more than 90 countries and territories worldwide. Animals and people both benefit when whales are seen and not hurt.”

In Australia alone whale watching is worth $300 million per year.

“Irrespective of this double victory for the whales, Japan will still ignore international opinion and is planning to kill more than a 1000 whales this year including 50 endangered humpback whales,” Mr McIntyre, IFAW Asia Pacific Director, said.

ENDS

Editors: Fact sheets, still images and broadcast quality video b-roll related to the CITES meeting are available via www.thenewsmarket.com/ifaw.

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