Annexes to COM(2011)495 - EU position at the next five meetings of the International Whaling Commission including the related inter-sessional meetings with regard to proposals for amendments to the International Convention on the Regulation of Whaling and its Schedule - Main contents
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| dossier | COM(2011)495 - EU position at the next five meetings of the International Whaling Commission including the related inter-sessional meetings ... |
|---|---|
| document | COM(2011)495  |
| date | August 25, 2011 |
1. The overarching objective of the European Union in relation to the IWC is to ensure an effective international regulatory framework for the conservation and management of whales guaranteeing a significant improvement in the conservation status of whales in the long term and bringing all whaling operations under IWC control.
2. The Member States acting jointly in the interest of the Union shall take the following position on proposals for decisions by the IWC at its next five meetings and the related inter-sessional meetings:
16. Support the maintenance of the moratorium on commercial whaling in the Schedule;
17. Oppose any proposals regarding new types of whaling, currently not envisaged in the Convention, unless such proposals involve only local consumption, ban international trade, guarantee a significant improvement in the conservation status of whales in the long term, ensure a central role of the Scientific Committee in determining additional conditions for such whaling activities and bring all whaling operations by IWC members under IWC control;
18. Support proposals for the creation of whale sanctuaries;
19. Support proposals for the management of aboriginal subsistence whaling that ensures that the conservation of the relevant stocks is not compromised, having due regard to the precautionary principle and the advice of the Scientific Committee, and that whaling operations are properly regulated and catches remain sustainable within the scope of subsistence needs for local use;
20. Support proposals aimed to end the conduct of "scientific whaling" outside IWC control;
21. Support proposals to specify a mechanism and timetable for addressing the revision of the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling (ICRW) including the issues of scientific whaling, whaling under objections as well as new and emerging threats to cetaceans, to ensure that all whaling activities effectively come under IWC control. The proposals for the revision of the ICRW should also include a reliable regular review and compliance mechanism as well a detailed roadmap for the implementation of the revision;
22. Require that the proposals for the revision of ICRW include the possibility for the EU to become of party to the IWC so that the EU can represent itself at the meetings.
[1] Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora, OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p. 7.
[2] OJ L 61, 3.3.1997, p. 1.
[3] In addition, Council Regulation (EEC) 348/81 on common rules for imports of whales and other cetacean products only allows imports of listed products if they are not used for commercial purposes.
[4] Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament: Thematic strategy on the protection and conservation of the Marine Environment COM(2005) 504 final.
[5] Directive 2008/56/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a Framework for Community Action in the field of Marine Environmental Policy of 17 June 2008.
[6] Draft Council Decision authorizing the Commission to negotiate, on behalf of the Community, a protocol amending the international Convention on the regulation of whaling, Washington, 2 December 1946 COM (92)316.
[7] Council Regulation (EC) 2371/2002 of 20 December 2002 on the conservation and sustainable exploitation of fisheries resources under the Common Fisheries Policy, OJ L 358, 31.12.2002, p. 59-80
[8] See Article V of the Convention. Under paragraph 3, Parties become bound by amendments to the Schedule within ninety days unless they present an objection.
[9] COM(2008) 711 final
[10] OJ C , , p. .
[11] OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p. 7.
[12] OJ L 61, 3.3.1997, p. 1.
[13] In addition, Council Regulation (EEC) 348/81 on common rules for imports of whales and other cetacean products only allows imports of listed products if they are not used for commercial purposes.
[14] Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, UK, Romania. Bulgaria, Lithuania (April 2011)
[15] Council Regulation (EC) 2371/2002 of 20 December 2002 on the conservation and sustainable exploitation of fisheries resources under the Common Fisheries Policy, OJ L 358, 31.12.2002, p. 59-80