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SC/69B/SM/12
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Resource ID
22172
Access
Open
Document Number
SC/69B/SM/12
Full Title
WORKSHOP REPORT - INTERACTIONS BETWEEN IBERIAN KILLER WHALES AND VESSELS: MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS
Author
Zerbini Et Al.
Authors Summary
SC/69/B/SMxx reported that, in response to interactions (first reported in 2020) between Iberian killer whales and vessels - the whales ram the rudder, often rendering the vessel unnavigable - an international workshop was held in Madrid, Spain, on 6?8 February 2024. These interactions are most likely play behaviour and should not be described with words such as ?aggression? or ?attack?. The Workshop recommended preparing regularly updated heat maps of likely encounter areas, to assist mariners in avoiding interactions. In the event of an encounter, mariners should move away from the whales as quickly as possible, at least 2 to 3km from the area in which the whales were encountered, either toward the coast (in the Gulf of C diz and Strait of Gibraltar) or toward an area where rescue can be expedited. Mariners should alert authorities as soon as an encounter begins. The Workshop strongly recommended mariners do not use mitigation measures that would almost certainly harm the whales. These killer whales are Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List and it is illegal under EU and national laws to harm them. Research and testing of potential mitigation measures discussed at the Workshop are ongoing or will be undertaken as soon as possible. The Workshop also recommended increasing international collaboration and providing consistent advice and reporting systems throughout the region, including the preparation of a multi-national communications strategy. A small international advisory group should be established, with the ability to co-opt experts as necessary to provide advice to authorities should they request it on scientific and technical matters, including, inter alia, reviewing mitigation protocols and research projects aimed at improving the scientific basis for advice. Finally, the Workshop recommended the development of a CMP.
Publisher
IWC
Publication Year
2024
Abstract
This is the report of the February 2024 Workshop on Interactions between Iberian Killer Whales and Vessels in Spain, Portugal and Morocco