SC/69A/CMP/22  

Document Number

SC/69A/CMP/22

Full Title

IWC Eastern South Pacific Southern Right Whale Conservation Management Plan – Progress Report April 2023

Author

Barbara Galletti Vernazzani

Authors Summary

Eastern South Pacific southern right whale population found off Chile and Peru is one of the most threatened whale populations worldwide. Historically abundant, this population was classified as Critically Endangered by IUCN. The International Whaling Commission adopted a Conservation Management Plan (CMP) for this population and the Governments of Chile and Peru signed a Memorandum of Understanding. Important advances have been made since last year, including 1) completion of Passive Acoustic Monitoring project off Antofagasta, 2) training of Peruvian specialist in deployment and maintenance of acoustic equipment, 3) workshop on experience exchange on whale watching and research permits, 4) virtual expert workshop to review historical and recent data, 5) fourth CMP coordination meeting, 6) completion of 6-year review and updated CMP version, and 7) increase collection of sighting records and photo-ID, including the northernmost sighting recorded to date for this population off Ecuador and the largest aggregation recorded off Isla de Chiloé. The CMP has proven to be a key framework to facilitate the implementation of conservation measures for this Critically Endangered population of whales and to enhance international collaboration for its long-term recovery.

Publisher

IWC

Keywords

Publication Year

2023