Media Release
23 June 2009
Environment Minister
Peter Garrett today joined the International
Fund for Animal Welfare to release the report
Whale Watching Worldwide at the International
Whaling Commission annual meeting in Portugal.
Speaking on the release
of the significant report, Mr Garrett said
that in the decade since the previous report
the whale watching industry has grown substantially
around the globe.
“In 2008 alone, more
than 13 million people enjoyed whale watching
in 119 countries resulting in more than
$2 billion in expenditure,” Mr Garrett said.
“It proves that whale
watching is an internationally dynamic industry
that is not only offers significant commercial
benefits for local communities, creating
jobs and new businesses but also offers
a terrific opportunity to educate the public
about whales and the marine environment.”
“The release of this
report here at the IWC is timely because
the the Commission is in an ideal position
to provide the practical tools and advice
for countries developing their whale watching
industries that minimize the impacts on
whales and their environment.
“And it further reinforces
the point that whales are worth more to
nations alive than dead, with the economic
benefits of whales extending far beyond
hunting them.”
The Minister said Australia
looked forward to the Commission embracing
the recommendations of the joint paper that
South Africa, Argentina, Mexico, Brazil
and Australia will present to the IWC regarding
the future activities related to whale watching
within the Commission.
“This work is critical
both as an important piece of strategic
work that demonstrates a new direction for
the IWC as well as important in maintaining
momentum on non-lethal use of whales.”
Mr Garrett said the
International Fund for Animal Welfare report
complements the Global Cetacean Summary
Report launched by the Australian Government.
“Australia comes to
this meeting of the IWC committed to working
with like-minded nations on those critical
issues which Australia believes must be
addressed to transform the Commission into
a modern, conservation-focused organisation,
securing long-term protection for the world's
whales and these two reports will be important
tools in supporting our very strong position.”
Madeira, Portugal
