We, the undersigned, representing an estimated 83%* of the US population that is opposed to whaling, urge the US Delegation to the IWC to retain its current position opposing the resumption of commercial whaling in all forms, including scientific and other special permit whaling, coastal whaling and community-based whaling, as a dire and imminent threat to the recovery of many depleted, threatened and endangered species of cetaceans (whales and dolphins).
Please support the expansion of whale sanctuaries, enforcement of the current moratorium and sanctions on nations where illegal whaling continues.
In addition, we urge the US Delegation to the IWC to adopt the language and guidance of House Resolution 350 (with the Senate concurring) as follows:
H. CON. RES. 350
Title: Expressing the sense of the Congress that the United States, through the International Whaling Commission, should use all appropriate measures to end commercial whaling in all of its forms, including scientific and other special permit whaling, coastal whaling, and community-based whaling, and seek to strengthen the conservation and management measures to facilitate the conservation of whale species, and for other purposes.
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring),
That it is the sense of Congress that the United States, through the International Whaling Commission, should--
(1) should use all appropriate measures to end commercial whaling in all of its forms, including scientific and other special permit whaling , coastal whaling, and community-based whaling ;
(2) oppose any initiative that would result in any new, Commission-sanctioned coastal or community-based whale hunting, even if it is portrayed as noncommercial, including any commercial whaling by any coastal communities that does not qualify as aboriginal subsistence whaling ; and
(3) seek to strengthen conservation and management measures to facilitate the conservation of whale species.
*Source: An IFAW poll of 2001 found that 83% of those polled oppose whaling. The poll was carried out by "noted Republican pollster Fred Steeper of Market Strategies, Inc. on behalf of the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW)."
