Joint Statement on Whaling and Safety at Sea from the Governments of Australia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and the United States: Call for Responsible Behavior in the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary - December 13, 2011
Call for Responsible Behavior in the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary
Media Note
Office of the Spokesperson
Washington, DC
December 13, 2011
The
Governments of Australia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and the United
States jointly condemn any actions that imperil human life in the
Southern Ocean. We are deeply concerned that confrontations in the
Southern Ocean will eventually lead to injury or loss of life among
protestors, many of whom are nationals of our countries, and whaling
crews.
We call on the masters of all vessels involved in these
actions in the Southern Ocean to take responsibility for ensuring that
safety of human life at sea is their highest priority.
We remain
resolute in our opposition to commercial whaling, including so-called
‘scientific’ whaling, in particular in the Southern Ocean Whale
Sanctuary established by the International Whaling Commission, and are
disappointed about the recent departure of the Japanese whaling fleet
for the Southern Ocean. In this context we wish to emphasize that lethal
techniques are not required in modern whale conservation and
management. We will continue to engage on this matter.
Our
Governments respect the right of individuals and groups to protest
peacefully, including on the high seas. At the same time, we condemn
dangerous or violent activities from all participants on either side. We
are prepared to deal with any unlawful activity in accordance with
relevant international and domestic laws.
The Southern Ocean in
particular is a remote and unforgiving environment where the risk of
adverse incidents is high and the capacity for search and rescue or
other assistance is low. Any accident in this region jeopardizes not
only the safety of whaling and protest vessels and their crews but also
anyone who comes to their assistance.
Our Governments jointly
call upon the masters of all vessels involved to strictly observe
international collision avoidance regulations. We also draw their
attention to the International Maritime Organization’s 17 May 2010
resolution on assuring safety during demonstrations, protests, or
confrontations on the high seas, and the International Whaling
Commission’s 2011 Resolution on Safety at Sea.
Australia, the
Netherlands, New Zealand, and the United States remain committed to
improving the conservation status of whales worldwide, maintaining the
International Whaling Commission’s global moratorium on commercial
whaling, and meaningful reform of the International Whaling Commission.