× Information on this section of ECOLEX comes from the InforMEA Portal which compiled information from MEA Secretariats with the support of the European Union. The accuracy of the information displayed is the responsibility of the originating data source. In case of discrepancy the information as displayed on the respective MEA website prevails. Resolution on whaling under Special Permit Type du document Resolution Numéro de référence 1999-3 Date Mai 24, 1999 SourceUNEP, InforMEA Statut Adopté Sujet Espèces sauvages et écosystèmes, Mer Traité Convention internationale pour la réglementation de la chasse à la baleine (Déc 2, 1946) Réunion 51st Meeting of the International Whaling Commission (IWC51) Site web crm.iwc.int Résumé NOTING that since IWC 50 in May 1998, the Government of Japan has issued new Special Permits under the provisions of Article VIII of the Convention for scientific research in the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary and the North Pacific Ocean; NOTING also that information provided to the Whale Killing Workshop in May 1999 indicates that only 30% of whales are killed instantaneously in the JARPA and JARPN programmes; FURTHER NOTING that the review of ethical considerations with respect to scientific research, prepared by the Secretary of the IWC in 1999, concludes that “the broad sense of the legislation, guidelines and codes of conduct which exist emphasise causing the minimum of stress and distress, suffering and pain, and at the same time considering if the research results can be achieved using fewer animals or by other (non-lethal) means.” RECALLING that grave concerns have been expressed by eminent members of the international scientific community and many others over the continuation of lethal whale research programmes, especially in areas designated as Sanctuaries in paragraph 7 of the Schedule; NOW THEREFORE THE COMMISSION: REQUESTS that the Government of Japan refrain from issuing any permits in the 1999/2000 seasons for the take of minke whales in the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary and the North Pacific Ocean