WSPA’s evidence critical in victory for whale welfare  June, 2008 A WSPA investigation has convinced commissioners at the International Whaling Commission's (IWC) annual meeting to vote ‘no' to including ten humpbacks in Greenland's whaling quota. WSPA's undercover investigation revealed that 25% of whales killed by Greenland - which they are permitted to hunt only for aboriginal subsistence purposes - are sold commercially, resulting in significant profit and exploding the myth that their whaling quotas are purely subsistence based. Watch investigation film >> Taking the truth to the decision-makers Last week we presented IWC commissioners with our compelling evidence, providing them with the information necessary to ensure a ‘no' vote on June 26th from a majority 36 of the 65 voting nations. In a meeting that was seeking to create consensus amongst IWC members, this sent a powerful message to Greenland. WSPA's Claire Bass commented on the vote from the IWC meeting: “This is fantastic news as fewer whales will be cruelly killed. WSPA's investigation has given the IWC the information it needed to see through the myths of Greenlandic whaling and make the right decision.” Speaking on the importance of the vote, she added: “This is a significant victory in a bigger campaign to end the slaughter of whales globally, and we will continue in our campaign to end the cruelty of whaling.” Investigation sparks further debate WSPA's report on our findings in Greenland, Exploding Myths, also raised calls within the IWC for the distinction between aboriginal subsistence whaling and commercial whaling to be properly enforced. This is an important step in preventing an erosion of the worldwide commercial whaling ban which has been in place since 1986. What the future holds The Danish commissioners, who represent Greenland at the IWC, said they would be back next year to ask again that their whaling quota be expanded. WSPA will also be there, backed by sound science and huge public support, to put the welfare case against whaling. Read BBC's report on the vote >> Read more news about WSPA's campaign against whaling >> Support WSPA's work to end cruelty to animals around the world >> |