From Mark Simmonds, Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society
Dan Goodman’s letter about whaling repeats two misleading arguments (18 October, p 32). First, he suggests that the International Whaling Commission’s agreed procedure for setting quotas will “ensure” that only sustainable whaling of abundant stocks will be permitted. Even the best quota calculation procedure cannot guarantee these things because it cannot guarantee the behaviour of the whalers.
What is missing from his letter is any reference to the whaling management regime needed, which would include enforcement measures such as the presence of independent observers. The whaling industry has consistently opposed any measures that would restrict its ability to maximise its commercial returns from whaling.
Secondly, Goodman suggests that the IWC is dysfunctional. This is common rhetoric intended to put more pressure on member nations to “save the IWC” by restarting commercial whaling. The IWC would benefit from modernisation, but it is not in crisis and is adequately fulfilling its function of conserving whales.
Chippenham, Wiltshire, UK
