The Scientific Committee reported about the status of whale stocks, revealing new information about several species. It presented evidence of increasing population sizes of humpback, blue and right whales in the Southern Hemisphere. Information about the population size of other species remains lacking. Additionally, the Committee provided advice for the aboriginal subsistence whaling, which limits negative impacts on the whale populations affected.

Concerning the future of the IWC, the time allocated to a nominated Working Group was extended until next year. The assignment of this Working Group is to find a consensus solution to the major problems facing the IWC and seek a compromise between opposing factions. Iceland agreed to play a key role and to mediate between the factions.

In regards to whale watching, the Commission agreed to establish an additional committee to prepare a management plan for whale watching in order to minimize negative impacts on cetaceans.

For more information, please go to:

http://www.iwcoffice.org/meetings/meeting2009.htm    

http://www.icelandreview.com/icelandreview/search/news/Default.asp?ew_0_a_id=335957

http://www.taz.de/1/archiv/print-archiv/printressorts/digi-%20artikel/?ressort=wu&dig=2009%2F06%2F26%2Fa0048&cHash=72c3c4d261 (in German)