IFAW release: IWC Notes Growth of Whale Watching Industry Worldwide

[Guest guest]

Hi,

 

The IWC has turned its focus to whale watching. IFAW reports show that whale

watching takes place in 90 countries and is more than a one billion dollar

industry.

 

Let me know if you would like additional information,

 

Kerry

 

Kerry Branon

Communications Coordinator

IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare)

765 Attucks Lane

Hyannis, MA 02601

508-744-2068

508-776-9872

kbranon

www.ifaw.org

 

 

 

 

IWC Notes Growth of Whale Watching Industry Worldwide<?xml:namespace prefix = o

ns = " urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office " />

 

 

 

 

 

(Ulsan, Korea - 23 June 2004) - After rejecting Japanese proposals to expand

whaling, the annual meeting of the International Whaling Commission (IWC) today

turned its attention to the continuing growth of the whale watching industry

worldwide. According to global assessments conducted by IFAW (International Fund

for Animal Welfare) boat and land-based whale watching operations now exist in

90 countries and territories contributing more than one billion dollars in

direct and indirect tourism revenues to coastal communities worldwide.

 

 

 

" More and more countries are saying no to whaling and yes to whale watching,

said Dr. Joth Singh, IFAW delegate to the IWC meeting. " Whale watching is a

win-win solution for whales and people, bringing terrific economic opportunities

to coastal communities worldwide. It's the 21st century alternative to whaling -

a truly sustainable use of whales. "

 

 

 

The Government of New Zealand formally presented a new IFAW report at today's

meeting, The Growth of the New Zealand Whale Watching Industry, which documents

the rewards New Zealand is reaping from its healthy whale and dolphin watching

industry. 425,000 people went whale watching in New Zealand last year

contributing close to $120 million to the New Zealand economy in 2004.

 

 

 

" New Zealand is very proud of our thriving whale watch industry and we are

determined to protect the natural resources that sustain it, " Mr. Chris Carter,

New Zealand Conservation Minister. " We are tabling the IFAW report as an example

to coastal nations of what can be achieved when whales are protected and not

hunted, " Mr. Carter said. " I congratulate IFAW on the quality of their research

and the effective role they play in working with countries to enable them to

profit from protection. "

 

 

 

Japan and other pro-whaling countries attending this week's meeting have said

whaling and whale watching can co-exist. " You can't have your whale and eat it

too, " said Dr. Singh. " Without the whales there would be no whale watching.

Animals and people both do better when whales are seen and not hurt. "

 

 

 

A copy of the new IFAW report is available on the IFAW website at

www.ifaw.org.au

 

 

 

 

 

<font size=-1 color= " blue " >

The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW -- <a

href= " http://www.ifaw.org " >www.ifaw.org</a>) works to improve the welfare of

wild and domestic animals throughout the world by reducing commercial

exploitation of animals, protecting wildlife habitats, and assisting animals in

distress. IFAW seeks to motivate the public to prevent cruelty to animals and to

promote animal welfare and conservation policies that advance the well-being of

both animals and people.

 

This transmission is intended only for use by the addressee(s) named herein and

may contain information that is proprietary, confidential and/or legally

privileged. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that

any disclosure, copying, distribution, or use of the information contained

herein (including any reliance thereon) is STRICTLY PROHIBITED. If you received

this transmission in error, please immediately contact the sender and destroy

the material in its entirety, whether in electronic or hard copy format. Thank

you.

</font>