WSPA pressure pays off at the IWC

Jun 6, 2007

The 59th meeting of the International Whaling Commission (IWC) wrapped up in Alaska last week, with WSPA pressing home its message of protecting whale welfare.

Pressure from thousands of concerned WSPA supporters led to more than 20 countries making strong statements of concern for whale welfare – the most seen at any year’s meeting. This unprecedented achievement represents the progress on welfare that’s been made during the years WSPA has attended the IWC.

Departing UK Prime Minister Tony Blair responded to UK public pressure – generated by a WSPA petition – to deliver a statement in favour of continuing the ban on whaling. Such a high level intervention by a head of state has never before been made on the welfare concerns of whaling.

Mr Blair said: “We have been and will remain strong advocates for a moratorium on commercial whaling.”

He went on to cite both conservation and animal welfare as the reasons why the ban should remain in place and be fully observed by all members of the IWC. He added that whaling resulted in unavoidable levels of suffering and that whale-watching was a more appropriate and sustainable use of whales.

Around 2,500 whales will be killed using inhumane methods over the next year. WSPA will be continuing their work to ensure the welfare of these animals is made a priority.