Environmental Protection: Marine

Protecting whales, dolphins and porpoises

The United Kingdom Government plays an active part in the conservation and protection of all whales, large and small. We are leading members of the International Whaling Commission (IWC), and we are strong supporters of the moratorium on commercial whaling which became effective in 1985/86. All cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises) are protected by law in UK waters. We do not believe that there is justification for any whaling to take place, other than some subsistence whaling by indigenous people, and we would like to see all other forms of whaling ended. We believe that whaling does not serve any genuine need and often involves unacceptable cruelty.

The 55th annual meeting of the International Whaling Commission took place in Berlin, Germany between 16 and 19th June 2003. The UK's opening statement is available. Further information about the meeting is available in news releases 214/03 (which includes a factsheet on the IWC) and 218/03. The meeting was attended by officials from Defra Fisheries and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office as well as representatives of conservation and environmental organisations. The Parliamentary Secretary's letter of 30 June 2003 to MPs on the outcome of the meeting is available.

The UK Government has also set up a Consultative Forum on Whaling, chaired by the Parliamentary Secretary, which meets two or three times a year to discuss conservation issues and the government policy on whaling and strategy at the IWC. It consists of government departments and organisations interested in the conservation of whales.

Several United Kingdom Overseas Territories have also undertaken to protect cetaceans within their waters using domestic legislation with the backing of the UK Government. Further details of these initiatives are available.

If you require further information on matters concerning whales we can be contacted at the following address:

Defra
Fisheries Division II Branch B
Nobel House
17 Smith Square
London SW1P 3JR
Tel: 020 7238 5946
Fax: 020 7238 5938
Email: defra.whale@defra.gsi.gov.uk