CMS – The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species Whales and Problems with Humans

Whaling is not the only danger facing whales; their survival is being made increasingly difficult by humans – albeit unintentionally. Climate change in the Southern Hemisphere will undoubtedly lead to a shortage of food because stocks of krill, the most important food to be found in Antarctic waters, will be decimated. These thumb-sized prawns, the “bread and butter of the Antarctic”, are dependent on ice floes for their development.

Each year, around 300,000 whales die as unintentional by-catch in fishing nets which have been set for other purposes. Far too many whales are dying as a result of collisions with ships. Human activities are making the marine environment almost intolerable for the sensitive ears of these marine mammals – and sometimes deadly. Dramatic increases in pollution and the over-fishing of food resources are added burdens.

Together, these problems are threatening the very survival of whales. As a counter-measure, the 93 member states of the CMS passed a resolution at the 8th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties in Nairobi from 20th-25th November 2005. This resolution, which was developed and proposed by Germany with the support of the GSM, requires all member states to implement protective measures for whales, dolphins and harbour porpoises under the terms of the Convention. Other marine species will, of course, also benefit, such as seals, turtles and seabirds, but also fish species, such as sharks and tuna. (See more detailed press release: “On the Move to 2010”- More Protection for Migratory Species through the Bonn Convention.)

Petra Deimer

see also: “On the Move to 2010”- More Protection for Migratory Species through the Bonn Convention

you will find more information at: www.cms.int