PM Transcripts

Jj, AUSTRAIA
F PRIME MINISTER
FOR MEDIA 12 JULY, 1979
WHALING
The Prime Minister today welcomed the decision of the
International Whaling Commission in London to declare a worldwide
moratorium on whaling by factory ships.
The only species not included in the moratorium is the small
and populous Minke Whale.
Australia will continue to press for the expansion of themoratorium
to cover all species and for its long-term continuation.
Australia has also taken an initiative to have the Commission
itself examine the consequences of a long-term ban on whaling.
I understand that Australia's motions calling for a report on the
steps necessary to institute a world-wide ban, including the
period required to introduce such a ban and report on the
economic aspects of commercial whaling have been accepted.
These reports should be available for the 32nd Annual Meeting
of the IWC.
Australia will also be pressing for a sanctuary in the Indian Ocean
for all species of whales to ensure their protection.
Private whaling by nations not members of the IWC compromises the
ability of the IWC to manage whale stocks. Australia regards
the activities of these nations vrery seriously and we intend
to exert all our influence in an effort to persuade them to accept
the Commission's rules.
The Australian Delegation to the IWC is led by Professor Ovington
Director Australian National Parks and WildliFe Service.
Dr Radwayallen, Dr Kirkwood, Mr Letts and Mrs Joy Lee are the
other members. -o0o---