SC/69A/EM/05  

Document Number

SC/69A/EM/05

Full Title

Update on Progress in Ecosystem Functioning Work during the Intersessional Period with Suggestions for the Work of the Scientific Committee

Author

Ed Goodall, Fabian Ritter and Nicola Hodgins

Authors Summary

Although there has been an increase in ecosystem functioning literature and study over the last two years, significant research gaps remain. It is therefore suggested that the IWC SC liaises proactively with CMS ahead of the upcoming 2nd IWC-CMS joint workshop planned for November 2023. Given the new evidence which has arisen for the important differential roles of small cetaceans in nutrient cycling, the ecosystem functioning benefits of coastal cetacean carcasses and the impact of climate change on ecosystem function provision, the IWC SC Small Cetacean (SM) Subcommittee should include work on ecosystem functioning in its agenda and work plan, to be able to co-ordinate understanding and data as scientific study expands in this area.

Publisher

IWC

Keywords

Publication Year

2023

Abstract

Cetacean ecosystem functioning is important for healthy marine ecosystems and has multiple positive co-benefits for human society. Recovering whale and dolphin populations will likely lead to increased nutrient cycling, biodiversity uplift and additional carbon fixation, storage and sequestration within the marine environment. Since the 2021 IWC-CMS workshop on the topic to identify knowledge gaps, a series of further symposia, funded research projects and collaborations, has resulted in progress to enhance and deepen understanding of cetacean ecosystem functioning. To fully address IWC Resolutions 2016-03 and 2018-02 on this subject, a wider effort to advance this area of work within the IWC Scientific Committee is suggested.