Today, July 23rd 2022, marks exactly forty years since the ban on commercial whaling was agreed by the International Whaling Commission (IWC). It is widely regarded as one of the great conservation successes of the 20th century and its maintenance continues to be of high importance.
On Monday this week, UK non-governmental organisations and DEFRA hosted a reception in the hotel in Brighton where the IWC met in 1982 and concluded this historic ban. Despite the record-breaking heat on the day, the event was attended by representatives from eight countries as well as the UK and many people from government and non-governmental organisations who have been involved in IWC matters, including the maintenance of the moratorium
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| Leading the toast to the moratorium. |
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| Country representatives |
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| Some of the campaigners who were present in 1982 - Andy Ottaway, John Frizell, Michi Mathias, Dave Curry and Alan Thornton. |
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| The new plaque which now adorns the wall of the Hilton Metropole Hotel where the ban was concuded. |
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The UK Commissioner to the IWC, James Smith (left),
speaking with Willie Mackenzie of Greenpeace |
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| James Smith addressing the reception. |
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| Speakers at the reception, from the left - the local MP Caroline Lucas, James Smith, me and Lucy Babey of Orca |
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| Vassili Papastavrou |
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| Trevor Perfect previously with the UK delegation to the IWC |
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Jim Grey of the Pew Foundation, Ed Goodall of
Whale and Dolphin Conservation and
Claire Bass of the Humane Society International |
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Jenny Lonsdale of EIA and
Nicola Benyon of HSI Australia.
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The press release about this event, which contains more information can be found
HERE.
All photos were taken by John Cobb (many thanks), apart from the last two!
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