2018 International Whaling Commission 67 Day 5 - the final curtain

Anti-whaling campaigner from Japan outside IWC 67

We open the final day with Kenya giving the dates of the next IWC Scientific Committee which will be in Nairobi : 7-23 May, 2019.

We move to Special Permits ('scientific whaling') and a statement is annexed to the relevant report from Japan which others can add their name to. Many do.

Finally we suddenly come to the package of proposals from Japan. They made a change to the text yesterday that means that only if 3/4 of the vote is in their favour will all elements of the proposal become operative.

The Chair now asks them - how would you like to proceed.

Japan. I am optimistic but some do not wish for coexistence here. Some voices denied sustainable use yesterday. There is a total difference in views - this stops us making substantial decision on conservation and use of whales.No mutual understanding. Florianopolis Declaration was adopted by voting with substantial member abstentions. Almost half members do not respect wish of others

My optimism fails. We ask you to go for the voting to show this dysfunction of this body [loud}

Chair - this package has a schedule amendment as well as resolution - the proposal will carry with 3/4 - if 50% -3/4 it will not pass because of new language. If you have different interpretation please take the floor.

Nothing.

To the vote.

27 support, 41 oppose; 2 abstain; 1 absent

After the vote there are some 'explanations of vote':
Australia - respect the right to bring proposal; reject their narrative that this body is dysfunctional but encourage them - as a valued member of the IWC - to continue dialogue here.

Denmark - fully aligns with the view expressed by EU but passes the microphone to the representative of the Faroe Islands who says he supports sustainable use of all living marine mammals. He believe that all countries should be allowed to use their marine resources..

Russia  (which abstained) thanks Japan - they support sustainable use but also the importance of scientific research and that the conservation of whales is very importnt. The vote shows a sharp split that is a point of concern.

EU - a disagreement is not dysfunctional - we are open for dialogue.

The Vice Minister from Japan.

Japan passes Microphone to Vice Minister - he describes what he sees as the process from 2016. This has not been a fruitful process. We have aimed for consensus - but reluctance from some delegations meant that we had to put to a vote to show voices in support of different views. Thanks those who supported. The resounding voices of support are confirmation that this is a worthy cause. Quite disappointing that we were unable to hear any constructive counter-proposal. The result of the vote can be seen as denial of the possibility of the members to co-exit. It is regrettable that our proposal was not accepted. We believe in this forum and so wish to continue to work with the IWC - however, if scientific evidence and diversity are not respected - if there is not mutual understanding, then Japan will be pressed to undertake a fundamental reassessment of its membership of the IWC; every option will be scrutinized.

He concludes by thanking the Chair and asks for his statement to annexed.

And so it is done. The Japanese proposal fails.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

A few small matters of business remain:

Slovenia is welcomed to the Chair.New Chair thanks old Chair,

Who will be new Vice Chair (and ultimately Chair). Nominations? Iceland speaks for sustainable use group and proposes the Comissioner for Guinea. He is appointed. Applause.

Old Scientific Committee chair applauded. New VC welcomed.
 We look at membership of various committees.

The UK joins the IWC Bureau - its key management body.

Belgium and Luxembourg provide some light distraction by running a whale-themed jewelry contest. Costa Rica wins.

Fabian Ritter, alternate for Belgium

Team UK

Team EU

Meanwhile outside - view of the meeting resort