~~Adz:Left~~Basseterre, St. Kitts (June 21, 2006): The issue of small cetaceans falling under the regulatory parameters of the International Whaling Commission (IWC) is a topic of much concern to some Caribbean islands.
Whales fall in the category of cetaceans. However, as explained by St. Lucian Fisheries Biologist Jeanine Rambally small cetaceans should not have been an issue for discussion at IWC 58. She explained that small cetaceans include small whales and dolphins and it is the belief of her country that they do not fall under the regulatory parameters of the IWC. Ms. Rambally pointed out that although small cetaceans were not listed on the IWC meeting schedule they were continually mentioned during the meeting. She emphasized that IWC is concerned with large cetaceans or what is termed great whales.
St. Lucia Commissioner of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Honourable Ignatius Jean gave the background to his country's stand on small cetaceans. He said that in Resolution #4 of 1995, St. Lucia made it clear that the management of small cetaceans is not within the purview of the IWC. He stated that his country undertakes its own research and is not under obligation to submit its findings to the IWC.
~~Adz:Right~~Commissioner Jean went on to explain that certain non-governmental organizations (NGOs), that are not in support of the sustainable use of marine resources, are actively prompting some of the whale watching businesses to make damaging statements about the government and people of St. Lucia. He said that such NGOs are promoting their point of view by using emotional arguments.
The St. Lucian Commissioner responsible for fisheries said that it was up to the governments of the region to educate their residents on the factual issues surrounding whaling.
The 58th IWC meeting ran from June 16 to June 20 at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort.
