6/30/2001 1004

CENTER JOINS INTERNATIONAL WHALING COMMISSION SCIENTIFIC PANEL IN ROME

Center for Biological Diversity population ecologist, Dr. Martin Taylor, presented a paper on the quantitative modeling of habitat degradation impacts on cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises) to a scientific working group of the International Whaling Commission in Rome, June 11-12. Dr. Taylor has developed the first quantitative population viability model for killer whales. His findings served as a foundation of the Center’s petition to protect the Puget Sound population of killer whales under the U.S. Endangered Species Act.

The International Whaling Commission regulates global whale hunting. In 1986 it declared an indefinite moratorium on commercial whaling in order to reverse declining populations. But the Commission is now increasingly alarmed at escalating habitat threats to cetaceans including global warming, depletion of fish stocks, toxic chemical wastes, oil spills, nutrient overload, disease epidemics, and noise from military and undersea mining operations. The workshop developed a framework for vitally needed research into habitat degradation, and established an agenda for a larger conference on habitat issues next year. The ultimate goal is to develop new international treaty provisions for protection cetacean habitat, not just protection from hunting.

The Center’s killer whale page. The Center’s northern right whale page. The Center’s bowhead whale page. The Center’s Cook Inlet beluga whale page.