19 June 2015: The International Whaling Commission (IWC) has released its Scientific Committee meeting report highlighting scientific reports on the recovery of humpback whales in the southern hemisphere, progress on the management of aboriginal whaling, by-catch challenges posed by fishing gear to vaquita and dolphin populations, and a collaboration with New Zealand on Hector’s and Māui dolphins.

The report provides a summary of the Scientific Committee’s discussions over its two-week meeting, including areas of agreement and statements outlining differences of opinion where they existed. The Committee considered over 100 research and working papers during its meeting.

The IWC completed an eight-year review of the status of humpback whales in the Southern Hemisphere, which was highlighted at the meeting. The review shows the continued recovery of the species, particularly among the species found off Africa, the west coast of Australia and the east coast of South America. Species in Brazil and the Oceania region are recovering more slowly.

On aboriginal whaling, the Committee discussed the regulation of small-scale, indigenous hunts and renewals of hunt quotas for different populations. The Commission will agree on quotas for all populations by 2018.

The Committee recommended that the Mexican Government enforce a permanent ban on gillnets and strengthen enforcement of the ban to enhance management of the vaquita, which is considered seriously endangered. It also recommended that the US and China address illicit trade in totoaba, an endangered fish that is trapped in gillnets that accidentally catch the vaquita and is sold in China.

Scientific experts also discussed: scientific permits for whaling, including a proposal by Japan for a new permit programme in the Southern Ocean; environmental concerns, including Arctic issues, climate change and chemical pollution; and human impacts on marine species, such as ship collisions.

The IWC’s Scientific Committee is composed of 200 experts that meet annually to discuss and agree on the IWC’s programme of work. [2015 Scientific Committee Report] [IWC Press Release] [IISD RS Story on Gray Whale Research]