Conservation database

At IWC67 in October 2018 the Commission endorsed a proposal from New Zealand to revise the existing template for voluntary conservation reports (VCRs) and develop an integrated database. The detailed proposal, which includes the rationale for changing the reporting template, is in IWC/67/CC/10 (also as CC/68A/INFO/05).

This publicly accessible database is available from the IWC website and searchable by country or conservation theme in alignment with the Strategic Plan and Workplan of the Conservation Committee.
The database aims to streamline the reporting requirements on Contracting Governments, and improve the accessibility, effectiveness and reach of information submitted in Voluntary Conservation Reports.
Find our Scientific Literature: Searchable Database

Australia Underwater Noise

Current threats to cetacean conservation and management measures taken/proposed
Country: Australia
Section: Current threats to cetacean conservation and management measures taken/proposed
Theme: Anthropogenic underwater noise
Country profile on Whale Watching Handbook
Date started:
Date ended:
Status: Active

The Australian Government continues to implement and promote a set of requirements aimed at minimising the impacts of seismic activities undertaken for oil and gas exploration. Practical standards to minimise the risk of acoustic injury
to whales in the vicinity of seismic survey operations, and provides guidance on the legal responsibilities of proponents undertaking the activities.

The Australian Government’s National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority (NOPSEMA) is the sole regulator of all offshore petroleum facilities in Commonwealth waters, and in coastal waters where state powers have been conferred. NOPSEMA is a Commonwealth Statutory Agency.

External URL: http://www.environment.gov.au/epbc/publications/seismic.html
Associated data
Body
CMP
CMP Sub-category
conservation_species
conservation_species (field_conservation_species:delta)0
Status
Active
Summary

The Australian Government continues to implement and promote a set of requirements aimed at minimising the impacts of seismic activities undertaken for oil and gas exploration. Practical standards to minimise the risk of acoustic injury
to whales in the vicinity of seismic survey operations, and provides guidance on the legal responsibilities of proponents undertaking the activities.

The Australian Government’s National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority (NOPSEMA) is the sole regulator of all offshore petroleum facilities in Commonwealth waters, and in coastal waters where state powers have been conferred. NOPSEMA is a Commonwealth Statutory Agency.

Theme 0
Url
http://www.environment.gov.au/epbc/publications/seismic.html

Australia Research Projects

Research projects
Country: Australia
Section: Research projects
Theme: Anthropogenic underwater noise
Country profile on Whale Watching Handbook
Date started:
Date ended:
Status:

The Australian Government’s Australian Marine Mammal Centre (AMMC) is based in Hobart, Tasmania. The Centre leads on providing scientific research and advice to inform and support Australia’s marine mammal conservation priorities.

External URL: https://www.marinemammals.gov.au/
Associated data
Body

The AMMC hosts the National Marine Mammal Data Portal. This portal collates and protects data that facilitates data-driven management and conservation decisions, as well as assisting with reporting obligations to the IWC. The AMMC also leads Australia's scientific commitment to the Commission’s Southern Ocean Research Partnership (IWC-SORP). This is an integrated, collaborative consortium for non-lethal whale research, which aims to maximise conservation outcomes for Southern Ocean whales through an understanding of the post-exploitation status, health, dynamics and environmental linkages of their populations, and the threats they face. The IWC-SORP has developed six multi-national themes on whales in the Southern Ocean that address key IWC research needs. Australia provides in-kind support to the IWC-SORP through hosting the Secretariat, and has been involved in all six research programs.


The Australian Government’s National Environmental Science Program (NESP) funds biodiversity and climate science to assist decision makers understand, manage and conserve Australia’s environment. This has included funding four projects in 2017 and 2018 which focus on cetacean conservation and management:
• Estimation of population abundance and mixing of ‘Southern’ Right Whales in the Australian and New Zealand regions 

• Monitoring the population dynamics of the south-west population of Right Whales.

• Quantification of risk from shipping to large marine fauna across Australia

• Characterising anthropogenic underwater noise to improve understanding and management of acoustic impacts to marine wildlife

CMP
Off
CMP Sub-category
conservation_species
conservation_species (field_conservation_species:delta)0
Status
Summary

The Australian Government’s Australian Marine Mammal Centre (AMMC) is based in Hobart, Tasmania. The Centre leads on providing scientific research and advice to inform and support Australia’s marine mammal conservation priorities.

Theme 0
Url
https://www.marinemammals.gov.au/

Australia cetacean conservation since IWC66.

Current Government programs related to cetacean conservation
Country: Australia
Section: Current Government programs related to cetacean conservation
Theme: Conservation Management plans
Country profile on Whale Watching Handbook
Date started:
Date ended:
Status: Active

To ensure the management of cetaceans continued to reflect best practice and was based on current scientific evidence, the Australian Government implemented the Whale and Dolphin Protection Plan. This plan provided resources for Australian local and state governments and the scientific community to undertake work that will help manage and protect cetaceans.

External URL: https://www.awe.gov.au/environment/epbc/publications/epbc-act-policy-statement-21-interaction-between-offshore-seismic-exploration-and-whales
Associated data
Body
CMP
CMP Sub-category
conservation_species
conservation_species (field_conservation_species:delta)0
Status
Active
Summary

To ensure the management of cetaceans continued to reflect best practice and was based on current scientific evidence, the Australian Government implemented the Whale and Dolphin Protection Plan. This plan provided resources for Australian local and state governments and the scientific community to undertake work that will help manage and protect cetaceans.

Theme 0
Url
https://www.awe.gov.au/environment/epbc/publications/epbc-act-policy-statement-21-interaction-between-offshore-seismic-exploration-and-whales

Australia Management Plans

Current Government programs related to cetacean conservation
Country: Australia
Section: Current Government programs related to cetacean conservation
Theme: Conservation Management plans
Country profile on Whale Watching Handbook
Date started:
Date ended:
Status: Active

Government Cetacean Management Workshop – This is an annual forum attended by all relevant states and territories which allows for the timely identification of cross-jurisdictional cetacean issues, the sharing of management experience, and review and comment on emerging cetacean policy issues (both in Australia and overseas). 

Cetaceans Non-Government Organisation (NGO) Roundtable – the Australian Government holds roundtables on cetacean matters with NGOs twice a year. This helps to ensure that issues of concern to civil society on cetacean policy and management at both national and international levels, are identified, discussed and addressed by the Government, as appropriate.

 

External URL: https://www.awe.gov.au/environment/marine/marine-species/cetaceans/legislation
Associated data
Body
CMP
CMP Sub-category
conservation_species
conservation_species (field_conservation_species:delta)0
Status
Active
Summary

Government Cetacean Management Workshop – This is an annual forum attended by all relevant states and territories which allows for the timely identification of cross-jurisdictional cetacean issues, the sharing of management experience, and review and comment on emerging cetacean policy issues (both in Australia and overseas). 

Cetaceans Non-Government Organisation (NGO) Roundtable – the Australian Government holds roundtables on cetacean matters with NGOs twice a year. This helps to ensure that issues of concern to civil society on cetacean policy and management at both national and international levels, are identified, discussed and addressed by the Government, as appropriate.

 

Theme 0
Url
https://www.awe.gov.au/environment/marine/marine-species/cetaceans/legislation
Associated data
Body
CMP
Off
CMP Sub-category
conservation_species
conservation_species (field_conservation_species:delta)0
Status
Active
Summary

testing

Theme 0
Url
https://www.awe.gov.au/environment/marine/marine-species/cetaceans

Australia Ship Strikes

Current Government programs related to cetacean conservation
Country: Australia
Section: Current Government programs related to cetacean conservation
Theme: Ship Strikes
Country profile on Whale Watching Handbook
Date started:
Date ended:
Status: Active

National strategy for reducing vessel strike on cetaceans and other marine megafauna 

Assessing the level of risk posed by vessel collisions to cetaceans – building on a project that assessed the risk of large vessels colliding with humpback whales in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park

External URL: https://recovery.gov.au/queensland-and-new-south-wales-floods-0#/
Associated data
Body

In 2017 the Australian Government published The National Strategy for Reducing Vessel Strike on Cetaceans and other Marine Megafauna 2017.

This document provides guidance on how to measure and reduce the risk of vessel collisions and the impacts they may have on marine megafauna, including cetaceans.

The development of this strategy included targeted stakeholder engagement in 2015, which included relevant state and territory government agencies, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) and Non- Government Organisations, including International Fund for Animal Welfare and Humane Society International. Following this public comments were sought in early 2017 before the document was finalised.

The strategy objectives include:

• Data acquisition to address information and knowledge gaps.

• Data analysis involving a risk assessment and analysis of existing databases.

• Mitigation to reduce the likelihood and severity of vessel collisions.

• Communication to support the achievement the three previous objectives.

The AMMC has developed a national ship strike database and an associated web-based questionnaire, based closely on the IWC data collection questionnaire. This will ensure that the data collected in Australia is compatible with the IWC ship strike database. Attempts to submit data from Australian waters directly to the IWC will be redirected back to the AMMC-based portal to ensure all reporting has national verification.

CMP
CMP Sub-category
conservation_species
conservation_species (field_conservation_species:delta)0
Status
Active
Summary

National strategy for reducing vessel strike on cetaceans and other marine megafauna 

Assessing the level of risk posed by vessel collisions to cetaceans – building on a project that assessed the risk of large vessels colliding with humpback whales in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park

Theme 0
Url
https://recovery.gov.au/queensland-and-new-south-wales-floods-0#/

Australia - Current threats to cetacean conservation and management measures taken/proposed

Current threats to cetacean conservation and management measures taken/proposed
Country: Australia
Section: Current threats to cetacean conservation and management measures taken/proposed
Theme: Ship Strikes, Strandings
Country profile on Whale Watching Handbook
Date started:
Date ended:
Status:

Australian Government agencies at all levels have worked together over many years to establish strong communications and operations networks to manage and respond to events such as whale and dolphin strandings.

External URL: https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/marine/marine-species/cetaceans/whale-dolphin-rescue
Associated data
Body

Australia has an excellent response capacity to assist individuals and groups of whales in distress, in cases where assistance is physically and logistically possible.

Government agencies at all levels have worked together over many years to establish strong communications and operations networks to manage and respond to events such as whale and dolphin strandings. As part of this communication network, we are able to share information on unusual stranding events such as the cluster of Risso’s dolphin strandings in late 2014 and early 2015 and a higher than usual number of Kogia strandings in 2016.

CMP
Off
CMP Sub-category
conservation_species
conservation_species (field_conservation_species:delta)0
Status
Summary

Australian Government agencies at all levels have worked together over many years to establish strong communications and operations networks to manage and respond to events such as whale and dolphin strandings.

Theme 0
Url
https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/marine/marine-species/cetaceans/whale-dolphin-rescue

Australia Whale watching

Information on WhaleWatching operations
Country: Australia
Section: Information on WhaleWatching operations
Theme: Whale watching
Country profile on Whale Watching Handbook
Date started:
Date ended:
Status: Active

The management of whale watching in Australia is a multi-jurisdictional arrangement between the Australian Government, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and state and territory governments.

Australian National Guidelines for Whale and Dolphin Watching 2005 

Australian National Guidelines for Whale and Dolphin Watching 2017.

External URL: https://wwhandbook.iwc.int/en/country-profiles/australia
Associated data
Body

These Guidelines were developed in consultation with the state and territory governments, scientists, industry representatives and non-government organisations. They provide a consistent national policy for the management of whale and dolphin watching in Australian waters. They build upon and replace the Australian National Guidelines for Whale and Dolphin Watching 2005. The guidelines provide advice for all governments in the development, updating and implementation of laws regulating whale and dolphin watching.

Detailed information and references are in the IWC Whale Watching Handbook.

In early 2018 the Australian Government hosted a workshop to discuss the management of swim-with whale activities.

The objective of the workshop was to facilitate consistent management of this increasingly popular activity across all jurisdictions in Australia through:

• The identification of appropriate management measures that can be implemented through permits and licenses issued by each jurisdiction;

• The identification of knowledge gaps that should be filled to improve management; and

• The formation of a network that can be expanded and used to share experiences and information to improve management.

Workshop participants included swim-with whale operators and state and Commonwealth government officers responsible for cetacean management, research and policy development.

CMP
CMP Sub-category
conservation_species
conservation_species (field_conservation_species:delta)0
Status
Active
Summary

The management of whale watching in Australia is a multi-jurisdictional arrangement between the Australian Government, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and state and territory governments.

Australian National Guidelines for Whale and Dolphin Watching 2005 

Australian National Guidelines for Whale and Dolphin Watching 2017.

Theme 0
Url
https://wwhandbook.iwc.int/en/country-profiles/australia

Australia - Current threats to cetacean conservation and management measures taken/proposed

Current threats to cetacean conservation and management measures taken/proposed
Country: Australia
Section: Current threats to cetacean conservation and management measures taken/proposed
Theme: Ship Strikes, Strandings
Country profile on Whale Watching Handbook
Date started:
Date ended:
Status:

Australian Government agencies at all levels have worked together over many years to establish strong communications and operations networks to manage and respond to events such as whale and dolphin strandings.

External URL: https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/marine/marine-species/cetaceans/whale-dolphin-rescue
Associated data
Body

Australia has an excellent response capacity to assist individuals and groups of whales in distress, in cases where assistance is physically and logistically possible.

Government agencies at all levels have worked together over many years to establish strong communications and operations networks to manage and respond to events such as whale and dolphin strandings. As part of this communication network, we are able to share information on unusual stranding events such as the cluster of Risso’s dolphin strandings in late 2014 and early 2015 and a higher than usual number of Kogia strandings in 2016.

CMP
Off
CMP Sub-category
conservation_species
conservation_species (field_conservation_species:delta)0
Status
Summary

Australian Government agencies at all levels have worked together over many years to establish strong communications and operations networks to manage and respond to events such as whale and dolphin strandings.

Theme 1
Url
https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/marine/marine-species/cetaceans/whale-dolphin-rescue

Brazil agreements

International cooperation activities
Country: Brazil
Section: International cooperation activities
Theme: Conservation Management plans
Country profile on Whale Watching Handbook
Date started:
Date ended:
Status: Active

The Brazilian government is a party to multilateral cetacean agreements, such as the IWC, CITES, and CMS.

External URL: https://cites.org/eng/parties/country-profiles/br
Associated data
Body

The Brazilian Government is party to multilateral agreements related to cetaceans, besides the IWC, such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). The Government of Brazil participates as Observer in the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) and has signed a Letter of Intentions to this agreement. Potential benefits of such agreements include conservation efforts to protect southern right whales and franciscana dolphin.

CMP
On
CMP Sub-category
Southwest Atlantic Southern Right Whale CMP
conservation_species
conservation_species (field_conservation_species:delta)0
Status
Active
Summary

The Brazilian government is a party to multilateral cetacean agreements, such as the IWC, CITES, and CMS.

Theme 0
Url
https://cites.org/eng/parties/country-profiles/br

Brazil Protected Areas

 Legal developments
Country: Brazil
Section:  Legal developments
Theme: Sanctuaries and protected areas
Country profile on Whale Watching Handbook
Date started:
Date ended:
Status: Active

The government of Brazil established two large Federal Marine Protected Areas in 2018, including the two most remote islands of the national territory - the São Pedro and São Paulo archipelagos - and also the chain of submarine mountains that connects the Brazilian continental shelf to the Trindade and Martin Vaz Archipelago. The two MPAs together cover an area of 92.6 million hectares, of which 81.1 million hectares correspond to areas of sustainable use and 11.5 million hectares correspond to protection, the equivalent of the combined territories of France and Germany.

Regarding the protection of coastal areas, it is important to mention a new reserve created in Maranhão called Baía do Tubarão Extractive Reserve. This MPA was established to protect a complex of bays, rivers and estuaries.

The Brazilian National Sanctuary of Whales and Dolphins was created in 2008. 

External URL: https://www.gov.br/mma/pt-br/assuntos/areasprotegidasecoturismo
Associated data
Body

The government of Brazil established two large Federal Marine Protected Areas in 2018, including the two most remote islands of the national territory - the São Pedro and São Paulo archipelagos - and also the chain of submarine mountains that connects the Brazilian continental shelf to the Trindade and Martin Vaz Archipelago. The two MPAs together cover an area of 92.6 million hectares, of which 81.1 million hectares correspond to areas of sustainable use and 11.5 million hectares correspond to protection, the equivalent of the combined territories of France and Germany.

Regarding the protection of coastal areas, it is important to mention a new reserve created in Maranhão called Baía do Tubarão Extractive Reserve. This MPA was established to protect a complex of bays, rivers and estuaries.

The Brazilian National Sanctuary of Whales and Dolphins was created in 2008. 

CMP
On
CMP Sub-category
Southwest Atlantic Southern Right Whale CMP
conservation_species
conservation_species (field_conservation_species:delta)0
Status
Active
Summary

The government of Brazil established two large Federal Marine Protected Areas in 2018, including the two most remote islands of the national territory - the São Pedro and São Paulo archipelagos - and also the chain of submarine mountains that connects the Brazilian continental shelf to the Trindade and Martin Vaz Archipelago. The two MPAs together cover an area of 92.6 million hectares, of which 81.1 million hectares correspond to areas of sustainable use and 11.5 million hectares correspond to protection, the equivalent of the combined territories of France and Germany.

Regarding the protection of coastal areas, it is important to mention a new reserve created in Maranhão called Baía do Tubarão Extractive Reserve. This MPA was established to protect a complex of bays, rivers and estuaries.

The Brazilian National Sanctuary of Whales and Dolphins was created in 2008. 

Theme 0
Url
https://www.gov.br/mma/pt-br/assuntos/areasprotegidasecoturismo

Brazil Whale Watching

 Legal developments
Country: Brazil
Section:  Legal developments
Theme: Whale watching
Country profile on Whale Watching Handbook
Date started:
Date ended:
Status: Active

Act No. 444/2014 of the Ministry of the Environment of Brazil determines the "Official National List of Endangered Fauna," including mammals.

Currently Federal Law 7643/87 forbids the hunting and harassment of cetaceans in Brazilian waters and the Edict 117/96 (modified by the Edict 24/2002) established the whale watching regulations.

A new National Conservation Action Plans (NAPs) for small and large cetaceans is being developed. 

External URL: https://www.icmbio.gov.br/cma/legislacao.html
Associated data
Body

Act No. 444/2014 of the Ministry of the Environment of Brazil determines the "Official National List of Endangered Fauna," including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and terrestrial invertebrates, and indicates the degree of extinction risk of each species.  This offers certain protections to the species with endangered or threatened status.

Currently Federal Law 7643/87 forbids the hunting and harassment of cetaceans in Brazilian waters and the Edict 117/96 (modified by the Edict 24/2002) established the whale watching regulations.  According to this Edict all vessels operating in Brazilian jurisdictional waters are forbidden to: 
approach any whale species (cetaceans of the order Mysticeti, sperm whale Physeter macrocephalus, and orca Orcinus orca) closer than 100 meters of the nearest animal, with engines operating.  Engines must be in neutral when approaching humpback whales Megaptera novaeangliae, and turned off or in neutral for other species;  resume engine operation to depart from the whale only after clearly sighting the whale(s) at the surface, or in a distance of at least 50 meters from the vessel; chase any whale, with engine operating, for more than 30 minutes, even when respecting the above mentioned distances; interrupt the path of any cetacean of any species, or try to direct or alter its movement;  intentionally penetrate a group of cetaceans of any species, dividing or dispersing it; make excessive noises, such as music, any kind of percussion, or others beyond those generated by the normal operation of the vessel, when less than 300m from any cetacean;  dump overboard any sort of detritus, substance or materials when less than 500m from any cetaceans, in addition to all other pollutant dumping prohibitions contained in the laws; approach an individual or group of whales if approached by at least two other vessels at the same time In September 2000, the right whales’ primary habitat in Santa Catarina was protected by the Right Whale Environmental Protection Area (EPA).  This area is now an the focus of right whale conservation and research, with certain sections of the area closed to tourism and others well managed and regulated.

The Brazilian National Sanctuary of Whales and Dolphins was created in 2008. New regulations drafted by the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation are awaiting official publication. These aim to establish more rigorous guidelines and procedures for the authorization and development of activities involving intentional interactions with cetaceans and manatees in Brazilian jurisdictional waters.

A new National Conservation Action Plans (NAPs) for small and large cetaceans is under development, with a view to finding solutions and proposals to address conservation concerns, such as:

  • Creating more targeted and specific legal instruments to regulate the whale watching activity at a national level; Improving monitoring and supervision of whale watching tour operators and activity; Establishing environmental licensing and/or tour operator certification systems for whale watching activity;
  • Improving capacity building for the development of whale watching activity; Establishing exclusion areas along the Brazilian coast, as in the archipelago of Fernando de Noronha and in the coast of Santa Catarina State; Requiring whale-watch operators to contribute to conservation and research through data-sharing on target species, and partnerships with universities and research institutions.
  • The government, in partnership with the Federal Conservation Units, will also be initiating a campaign to promote land-based whale watching. This approach has the advantage of being freely accessible to a greater number of people than the boat-based observation, as well as eliminating the risk of disturbance to the target species.  
CMP
On
CMP Sub-category
Southwest Atlantic Southern Right Whale CMP
conservation_species
conservation_species (field_conservation_species:delta)0
Status
Active
Summary

Act No. 444/2014 of the Ministry of the Environment of Brazil determines the "Official National List of Endangered Fauna," including mammals.

Currently Federal Law 7643/87 forbids the hunting and harassment of cetaceans in Brazilian waters and the Edict 117/96 (modified by the Edict 24/2002) established the whale watching regulations.

A new National Conservation Action Plans (NAPs) for small and large cetaceans is being developed. 

Theme 0
Url
https://www.icmbio.gov.br/cma/legislacao.html

Brazil cetacean conservation

Reporting systems for cetacean injuries/mortality/strandings
Country: Brazil
Section: Reporting systems for cetacean injuries/mortality/strandings
Theme: Strandings
Country profile on Whale Watching Handbook
Date started:
Date ended:
Status: Active

The National Stranding Network coordinated by ICMBio has been working along the Brazilian coast to evaluate and record cetacean stranding rates and cumulative effects of anthropogenic activities on these animals. 

External URL: https://www.icmbio.gov.br/cma/o-que-fazemos/monitoramento/remab.html
Associated data
Body

The National Stranding Network coordinated by ICMBio has been working along the Brazilian coast to evaluate cetacean stranding rates and cumulative effects of anthropogenic activities on these animals. A national database was developed to store the collected information providing the possibility to integrate data (in terms of space and time) and improve the evaluation of threats, as well as support both conservation planning and management actions.

CMP
On
CMP Sub-category
Southwest Atlantic Southern Right Whale CMP
conservation_species
conservation_species (field_conservation_species:delta)0
Status
Active
Summary

The National Stranding Network coordinated by ICMBio has been working along the Brazilian coast to evaluate and record cetacean stranding rates and cumulative effects of anthropogenic activities on these animals. 

Theme 0
Url
https://www.icmbio.gov.br/cma/o-que-fazemos/monitoramento/remab.html

France National Strandings Scheme

Reporting systems for cetacean injuries/mortality/strandings
Country: France
Section: Reporting systems for cetacean injuries/mortality/strandings
Theme: Strandings, Conservation Management plans
Country profile on Whale Watching Handbook
Date started:
Date ended:
Status: Active

The national strandings scheme provides a yearly synthesis on beached cetaceans allowing baseline data to be collected about species diversity, causes of death, pathologies, population demographic structure, ecological parameters and levels of contaminants. Back calculation of cetacean carcass trajectories allows their origin to be determined.

External URL: https://www.observatoire-pelagis.cnrs.fr/?lang=en
Associated data
Body
CMP
CMP Sub-category
conservation_species
conservation_species (field_conservation_species:delta)0
Status
Active
Summary

The national strandings scheme provides a yearly synthesis on beached cetaceans allowing baseline data to be collected about species diversity, causes of death, pathologies, population demographic structure, ecological parameters and levels of contaminants. Back calculation of cetacean carcass trajectories allows their origin to be determined.

Theme 1
Url
https://www.observatoire-pelagis.cnrs.fr/?lang=en

France Protected Areas

 Legal developments
Country: France
Section:  Legal developments
Theme: Sanctuaries and protected areas
Country profile on Whale Watching Handbook
Date started:
Date ended:
Status:

France's protected natural areas cover approximately 23.5% of waters. 

External URL: https://www.ofb.gouv.fr/en/managing-protected-areas
Associated data
Body

An active site-oriented conservation strategy has been developed since April 2006, of the law relative to the establishment of Marine Natural Parks and the creation of the Agency for Marine Protected Areas whose aims are: to support public policies in the field of marine protected areas, regarding both their creation and their management, to manage the human and financial resources dedicated to Marine Natural Parks, to give technical and administrative support to managers of marine protected areas.

Among the network of MPA, several Marine Natural Parks (Parcs Naturels Marins, PNM) have been created. The PNM d'Iroise, located off the west coast of Brittany, was established in 2007; the PNM du Golfe du Lion, located in the north-western Mediterranean Sea, was created in 2011; the PNM de Mayotte and PNM des Glorieuses are two contiguous marine natural parks spreading over 110,000 km2 in the northern Mozambique Channel, south-west Indian Ocean, established in 2010 and 2012 respectively. More recently, the PNM des Estuaires Picards et de la Côte d’Opale and the PNM du Bassin d’Arcachon have been created in 2012 and 2014 respectively. Finally, the PNM de l'estuaire de la Gironde et de la mer des Pertuis and the PNM du Cap Corse et de l'Agriate were created in 2015 and 2016 respectively. The PNM de Martinique to be created soon would terminate this series of Marine Natural Parks. Although none of these parks has been specifically designated for the conservation of cetacean, most of them are home to significant populations of cetaceans. Finally, the Coral Sea Marine Park, extending over its 1.3 million-km2 EEZ, was created by the Government of New Caledonia in April 2014, and, in the Caribbean, the EEZ around Martinique, Guadeloupe, Saint Martin and Saint Barthelemy was declared in 2010 a sanctuary for marine mammals named the Agoa sanctuary.

CMP
CMP Sub-category
conservation_species
conservation_species (field_conservation_species:delta)0
Status
Summary

France's protected natural areas cover approximately 23.5% of waters. 

Theme 0
Url
https://www.ofb.gouv.fr/en/managing-protected-areas

France Protected Areas

 Legal developments
Country: France
Section:  Legal developments
Theme: Sanctuaries and protected areas
Country profile on Whale Watching Handbook
Date started:
Date ended:
Status:

The Pelagos whale sanctuary encompasses both territorial and international waters of the north-western Mediterranean.

External URL: https://www.sanctuaire-pelagos.org/en/
Associated data
Body

France, together with Italy and Monaco, have created in 2002 the Pelagos whale sanctuary which encompasses both territorial and international waters of the north-western Mediterranean. This area is summer home range and critical feeding habitat to the isolated population of the Mediterranean fin whale, Baleanoptera physalus, and a diversity of small cetaceans. The management of this valued marine natural heritage in such a heavily anthropised region should benefit to other regions with a similar environmental challenge.

CMP
CMP Sub-category
conservation_species
conservation_species (field_conservation_species:delta)0
Status
Summary

The Pelagos whale sanctuary encompasses both territorial and international waters of the north-western Mediterranean.

Theme 0
Url
https://www.sanctuaire-pelagos.org/en/

France - Knowledge Acquisition Program for Seabirds and Marine Mammals (PACOMM)

Research projects
Country: France
Section: Research projects
Theme: Sanctuaries and protected areas
Country profile on Whale Watching Handbook
Date started:
Date ended:
Status:

Within the scope of EC commitments to Natura 2000, the Ministry of Ecology delegated the implementation of a knowledge acquisition program (PACOMM) on seabirds and marine mammals to the Agency for marine protected areas (AAMP). The goal was to assess the initial state of seabird and cetacean populations and their conservation status in Natura 2000 sites and within the parameters of national marine parks and offshore Natura 2000 sites. The program consisted of a combination of visual aerial surveys, site-based acoustic monitoring surveys, telemetry studies and local site-based approaches.

External URL: http://www.natura2000.fr/
Associated data
Body
CMP
CMP Sub-category
conservation_species
conservation_species (field_conservation_species:delta)0
Status
Summary

Within the scope of EC commitments to Natura 2000, the Ministry of Ecology delegated the implementation of a knowledge acquisition program (PACOMM) on seabirds and marine mammals to the Agency for marine protected areas (AAMP). The goal was to assess the initial state of seabird and cetacean populations and their conservation status in Natura 2000 sites and within the parameters of national marine parks and offshore Natura 2000 sites. The program consisted of a combination of visual aerial surveys, site-based acoustic monitoring surveys, telemetry studies and local site-based approaches.

Theme 0
Url
http://www.natura2000.fr/

France Cetacean Conservation

Current Government programs related to cetacean conservation
Country: France
Section: Current Government programs related to cetacean conservation
Theme: Ship Strikes
Country profile on Whale Watching Handbook
Date started:
Date ended:
Status:

REPCET is a collaborative system that moniters ships strikes in the PELAGOS sanctuary

External URL: https://www.repcet.com/
Associated data
Body

Many populations of whales around the world are threatened by collisions with vessels. In the PELAGOS Sanctuary, the scientific community and several ship-owners have joined forces to deal with these accidents. The REAL TIME PLOTTING OF CETACEANS (REPCET) system is a collaborative computer tool for use in commercial shipping. At present, several shipping companies operating in the sanctuary are using REPCET. Every sighting of large cetaceans by watch-keeping personnel on board a vessel equipped with REPCET is transmitted by satellite in semi-real-time to a server located on land. The server then centralises the data and sends out an alert to equipped vessels that are likely to be affected. The alerts are displayed as maps on a dedicated screen on board.
 

CMP
CMP Sub-category
conservation_species
conservation_species (field_conservation_species:delta)0
Status
Summary

REPCET is a collaborative system that moniters ships strikes in the PELAGOS sanctuary

Theme 0
Url
https://www.repcet.com/

France Whale watching

Information on WhaleWatching operations
Country: France
Section: Information on WhaleWatching operations
Theme: Whale watching
Country profile on Whale Watching Handbook
Date started:
Date ended:
Status:

The PELAGOS/ACCOBAMS cooperative agreement works to ensure quality and minimise negative impacts of whale watching activities to cetaceans. 

External URL: https://accobams.org/4704/
Associated data
Body

The PELAGOS/ACCOBAMS high quality whalewatching label for commercial whale-watching activities was first delivered to French WW operators in July 2014.
PELAGOS SANCTUARY PARTNERSHIP CHARTER. The concept of a partnership charter with towns and cities bordering the Sanctuary was launched in
2007 and became operational in 2009. By signing the charter, municipalities are committed to help sustain the protection of marine mammals and in recognition of their commitment they are authorised to fly the Sanctuary flag. To date, 82 municipalities in France, Italy and Monaco have signed the Charter. 
In the line of a recommendation adopted during MoP 2009 of the Pelagos Agreement, an application for the designation of Pelagos as a PARTICULARLY SENSITIVE SEA AREA (PSSA) under the provision of IMO (International Maritime Organisation) has to be elaborated. The draft measures to limit ship strikes should be included in the proposal. Work is still ongoing.

CMP
CMP Sub-category
conservation_species
conservation_species (field_conservation_species:delta)0
Status
Summary

The PELAGOS/ACCOBAMS cooperative agreement works to ensure quality and minimise negative impacts of whale watching activities to cetaceans. 

Theme 0
Url
https://accobams.org/4704/

France Whale watching

Information on WhaleWatching operations
Country: France
Section: Information on WhaleWatching operations
Theme: Whale watching
Country profile on Whale Watching Handbook
Date started:
Date ended:
Status:

The French mainland has coasts on the Mediterranean, the Atlantic, and the Channel, while its overseas territories span temperate, tropical and even polar and sub polar waters around the globe. Together these areas offer a widely varying range of opportunities for whale and dolphin watching involving different species, habitats and whale-watching platforms.

External URL: https://wwhandbook.iwc.int/en/country-profiles/france
Associated data
Body

The French mainland has coasts on the Mediterranean, the Atlantic, and the Channel, while its overseas territories span temperate, tropical and even polar and sub polar waters around the globe. Together these areas offer a widely varying range of opportunities for whale and dolphin watching involving different species, habitats and whale-watching platforms.

All cetacean species are protected by French law (public ordinance (arrêté) of July 1st, 2011), which details the list of marine mammals protected under French law,  and whale-watching activities specifically are regulated in French Polynesia and New Caledonia. These sanctuaries are contiguous with several other national whale sanctuaries in the southern Pacific Ocean, thus creating a vast region where collaboration in cetacean conservation and research can be facilitated. In 2006, France, along with several other Pacific countries, has signed the Memorandum of Understanding for the conservation of cetaceans and their habitats in the Pacific islands region, under the CMS (Convention for the protection of Migratory Species).

CMP
CMP Sub-category
conservation_species
conservation_species (field_conservation_species:delta)0
Status
Summary

The French mainland has coasts on the Mediterranean, the Atlantic, and the Channel, while its overseas territories span temperate, tropical and even polar and sub polar waters around the globe. Together these areas offer a widely varying range of opportunities for whale and dolphin watching involving different species, habitats and whale-watching platforms.

Theme 0
Url
https://wwhandbook.iwc.int/en/country-profiles/france

France National Strandings Scheme

Reporting systems for cetacean injuries/mortality/strandings
Country: France
Section: Reporting systems for cetacean injuries/mortality/strandings
Theme: Strandings, Conservation Management plans
Country profile on Whale Watching Handbook
Date started:
Date ended:
Status: Active

The national strandings scheme provides a yearly synthesis on beached cetaceans allowing baseline data to be collected about species diversity, causes of death, pathologies, population demographic structure, ecological parameters and levels of contaminants. Back calculation of cetacean carcass trajectories allows their origin to be determined.

External URL: https://www.observatoire-pelagis.cnrs.fr/?lang=en
Associated data
Body
CMP
CMP Sub-category
conservation_species
conservation_species (field_conservation_species:delta)0
Status
Active
Summary

The national strandings scheme provides a yearly synthesis on beached cetaceans allowing baseline data to be collected about species diversity, causes of death, pathologies, population demographic structure, ecological parameters and levels of contaminants. Back calculation of cetacean carcass trajectories allows their origin to be determined.

Theme 0
Url
https://www.observatoire-pelagis.cnrs.fr/?lang=en

France Agreements

International cooperation activities
Country: France
Section: International cooperation activities
Theme: Cooperation and Research
Country profile on Whale Watching Handbook
Date started:
Date ended:
Status:

France is leading an eco-regional program in order to contribute to the CCAMLR MPA Network.

External URL: https://www.ccamlr.org/en/science/mpa-planning-domains
Associated data
Body

Based on the Partnership between the French MPA Agency and the French Austral Territory, this program is aiming at defining important ecological areas, particularly for top predator such as marine mammals, and new MPAs in the Crozet (planning domain 5) and Kerguelen (planning domain 6) areas as well as in the East Antarctica planning domain. A first proposal for a representative system of MPAs in East Antarctica has been presented jointly by France and Australia, since 2012 at annual meetings of the Commission CAMLR. A special workshop was organized in May 2012 for the CCAMLR planning Domain 5, including the Del Cano area.

CMP
CMP Sub-category
conservation_species
conservation_species (field_conservation_species:delta)0
Status
Summary

France is leading an eco-regional program in order to contribute to the CCAMLR MPA Network.

Theme 0
Url
https://www.ccamlr.org/en/science/mpa-planning-domains

France Agreements

International cooperation activities
Country: France
Section: International cooperation activities
Theme: Cooperation and Research
Country profile on Whale Watching Handbook
Date started:
Date ended:
Status:

France is a member state of a number of multilateral agreements related to cetaceans 

External URL: https://www.cms.int/en/country/france
Associated data
Body

France is a member state of the International Whaling Commission, the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES), the convention on biodiversity (CBD) and the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS). Beside Pelagos, France is a member state of the ASCOBANS and ACCOBAMS agreements for the protection of cetaceans in European seas, under the Convention for the protection of Migratory Species (CMS). In September 2006, France has signed the Memorandum of Understanding for the conservation on cetaceans and their habitats in the Pacific islands region, also under the CMS.


France is a member of the Cartagena Convention (Caribbean Region), Barcelona Convention (Mediterranean Region) and Bern convention (for Europe) whose protocols on biodiversity deal, inter alia, with the conservation of cetaceans. As a member state of OSPAR, France also participates to the conservation of cetaceans in the North-East Atlantic. 

CMP
CMP Sub-category
conservation_species
conservation_species (field_conservation_species:delta)0
Status
Summary

France is a member state of a number of multilateral agreements related to cetaceans 

Theme 0
Url
https://www.cms.int/en/country/france

France Legal Protections

 Legal developments
Country: France
Section:  Legal developments
Theme: Other
Country profile on Whale Watching Handbook
Date started:
Date ended:
Status:

All marine mammals are protected by law in French waters. 

External URL: https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/loda/id/JORFTEXT000024396902/
Associated data
Body

A decree was issued in July 2011 insuring better protection of all marine mammals occurring in the French territories. Under this decree, it is prohibited to harass, catch or kill, voluntarily disturb any individual of all cetacean species across the French territory and in waters under its jurisdiction. Under this decree, habitat destruction and degradation are also prohibited. In addition to this, the same decree also stipulates that transport and trade of any cetacean, dead or alive, or of products processed from cetaceans are similarly forbidden. 

CMP
CMP Sub-category
conservation_species
conservation_species (field_conservation_species:delta)0
Status
Summary

All marine mammals are protected by law in French waters. 

Theme
Theme 0
Url
https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/loda/id/JORFTEXT000024396902/

France Legal Protections

 Legal developments
Country: France
Section:  Legal developments
Theme: Other
Country profile on Whale Watching Handbook
Date started:
Date ended:
Status:

France is a member country of the European Union, therefore it enforces EU regulations concerning marine mammals and environment. 

External URL: https://www.eea.europa.eu/data-and-maps/figures/conservation-status-of-marine-mammals
Associated data
Body

As a member of the European Union, France endorses European regulations on cetacean conservation. Three principal legal frameworks are particularly relevant, the habitat Directive, the Common Fishery Policy and the Marine Strategy Framework Directive. Under the Habitat Directive, all species of cetaceans are listed in appendix IV relative to protected species and two coastal-dwelling species, the harbour porpoise, Phocoena phocoena, and the bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops truncatus, are listed in appendix II which implies the designation of sites, called Natura 2000 sites, for their protection. At present, the Natura 2000 network covers 40,000 km2 at sea (among other cetaceans, the harbour porpoise, Phocoena phocoena is reported from 36 sites and the common bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus from 61 sites).
Under the Common Fishery Policy, regulation EC/812 of April 26th, 2004, determine how to assess, monitor and mitigate small cetacean by-catch in commercial fisheries. Since 2005, a yearly report is produced and some mitigation strategies are being tested. Target fisheries are those known to generate significant incidental catches of small cetaceans, mostly harbour porpoise (P. phocoena), short-beaked common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) et common bottlenose dolphins (T. truncatus).
The newly implemented EU marine strategy Framework Directive was adopted by the European Union in June 2008 and will provide the main context in which the French policy for monitoring and protecting cetaceans among others will develop in the future. In particular, marine strategies to be developed by each Member State must contain a detailed assessment of the state of the environment, a definition of "good environmental status" at regional level and the establishment of clear environmental targets and monitoring programs, including of cetacean populations. In this context, marine mammal issues are dealt with mainly under descriptor 1 (biodiversity), and also under descriptors 4 (food web), 10 (marine debris) and 11 (energy and noise) for specific issues.

CMP
CMP Sub-category
conservation_species
conservation_species (field_conservation_species:delta)0
Status
Summary

France is a member country of the European Union, therefore it enforces EU regulations concerning marine mammals and environment. 

Theme
Theme 0
Url
https://www.eea.europa.eu/data-and-maps/figures/conservation-status-of-marine-mammals

Gabon Legal Protections

 Legal developments
Country: Gabon
Section:  Legal developments
Theme:
Country profile on Whale Watching Handbook
Date started:
Date ended:
Status: Active

Gabonese laws provide different levels of protection to cetacean species. 

External URL: http://www.gouvernement.ga/
Associated data
Body

Gabonese wildlife is divided into three categories: fully protected (Appendix I), partially protected (II), and unprotected (III). The humpback whale is currently the only cetacean species on Appendix I. However, a revision of these appendices was drafted in 2015. If agreed - the revised Appendix I would include all great whales (Balaenidae, Balaenopteridae, Neobalaenidae, Physeteridae) as well as all beaked whales (Ziphiidae) that might occur and the Atlantic humpback dolphin (Sousa teuszii) greatly threatened across its range. A revised Appendix II would include all remaining Delphinidae species known to occur in Gabonese waters.

CMP
CMP Sub-category
conservation_species
conservation_species (field_conservation_species:delta)0
Status
Active
Summary

Gabonese laws provide different levels of protection to cetacean species. 

Theme
Theme 0
Url
http://www.gouvernement.ga/

Gabon Marine Conservation

Current Government programs related to cetacean conservation
Country: Gabon
Section: Current Government programs related to cetacean conservation
Theme: Bycatch, Sanctuaries and protected areas, Conservation Management plans
Country profile on Whale Watching Handbook
Date started:
Date ended:
Status: Active

Gabon bleu is an ambitious government initiative to better conserve marine environments. 

External URL: https://gabonvert.com/gabon-bleu/
Associated data
Body

Gabon Bleu is a presidential marine conservation initiative to manage Gabon's coastal and oceanic waters and create a marine protected area network. Gabon Bleu also aims to improve industrial and artisanal fisheries, offshore oil and gas, and maritime security. Gabon Bleu works with local and international NGOs like WCS and WWF. Examples of the intiative's achievements include:
1. New Fisheries and Aquaculture Agency (ANPA)
2. An Ocean Council (CNM)
3. New legislation to create fishing zones and better apply fisheries law.
4. Comprehensive marine zoning for sustainable management of marine resources
5. National control and management capacity
6. Two national observer programmes: one records catch and bycatch on tuna, shrimp, and trawler boats; the other records marine mammal observations on seismic vessels. These data are analysed along with company declarations to better characterise sector activity.
7. New fishing licences, boat registers, and monitoring are transforming the informal artisanal fishery sector. Artisanal communities have consulted about marine management zones. These zones are in the process of getting management plans.

CMP
CMP Sub-category
conservation_species
conservation_species (field_conservation_species:delta)0
Status
Active
Summary

Gabon bleu is an ambitious government initiative to better conserve marine environments. 

Theme 0
Url
https://gabonvert.com/gabon-bleu/

Gabon Marine Conservation

Current Government programs related to cetacean conservation
Country: Gabon
Section: Current Government programs related to cetacean conservation
Theme: Bycatch, Sanctuaries and protected areas, Conservation Management plans
Country profile on Whale Watching Handbook
Date started:
Date ended:
Status: Active

Gabon bleu is an ambitious government initiative to better conserve marine environments. 

External URL: https://gabonvert.com/gabon-bleu/
Associated data
Body

Gabon Bleu is a presidential marine conservation initiative to manage Gabon's coastal and oceanic waters and create a marine protected area network. Gabon Bleu also aims to improve industrial and artisanal fisheries, offshore oil and gas, and maritime security. Gabon Bleu works with local and international NGOs like WCS and WWF. Examples of the intiative's achievements include:
1. New Fisheries and Aquaculture Agency (ANPA)
2. An Ocean Council (CNM)
3. New legislation to create fishing zones and better apply fisheries law.
4. Comprehensive marine zoning for sustainable management of marine resources
5. National control and management capacity
6. Two national observer programmes: one records catch and bycatch on tuna, shrimp, and trawler boats; the other records marine mammal observations on seismic vessels. These data are analysed along with company declarations to better characterise sector activity.
7. New fishing licences, boat registers, and monitoring are transforming the informal artisanal fishery sector. Artisanal communities have consulted about marine management zones. These zones are in the process of getting management plans.

CMP
CMP Sub-category
conservation_species
conservation_species (field_conservation_species:delta)0
Status
Active
Summary

Gabon bleu is an ambitious government initiative to better conserve marine environments. 

Theme 2
Url
https://gabonvert.com/gabon-bleu/

Gabon Protected Areas

 Legal developments
Country: Gabon
Section:  Legal developments
Theme: Sanctuaries and protected areas
Country profile on Whale Watching Handbook
Date started:
Date ended:
Status: Active

Gabon protects approximetly 26% of Gabon’s marine waters. 

External URL: https://www.iucncongress2020.org/programme/official-programme/session-43416
Associated data
Body

In Gabon, there are currently four marine protected areas (Akanda, Pongara, Loango and Mayumba). President Ali Bongo Ondimba of Gabon announced in 2017 at the United Nations Ocean Conference in New York his country’s creation of a massive marine protected areas network consisting of 9 new marine parks and 11 aquatic reserves. This initiative expands Gabon’s protected waters by 53,000 sq. km, just over 26% of its Territorial Sea and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). 

CMP
CMP Sub-category
conservation_species
conservation_species (field_conservation_species:delta)0
Status
Active
Summary

Gabon protects approximetly 26% of Gabon’s marine waters. 

Theme 0
Url
https://www.iucncongress2020.org/programme/official-programme/session-43416

Gabon Marine Conservation

Current Government programs related to cetacean conservation
Country: Gabon
Section: Current Government programs related to cetacean conservation
Theme: Bycatch, Sanctuaries and protected areas, Conservation Management plans
Country profile on Whale Watching Handbook
Date started:
Date ended:
Status: Active

Gabon bleu is an ambitious government initiative to better conserve marine environments. 

External URL: https://gabonvert.com/gabon-bleu/
Associated data
Body

Gabon Bleu is a presidential marine conservation initiative to manage Gabon's coastal and oceanic waters and create a marine protected area network. Gabon Bleu also aims to improve industrial and artisanal fisheries, offshore oil and gas, and maritime security. Gabon Bleu works with local and international NGOs like WCS and WWF. Examples of the intiative's achievements include:
1. New Fisheries and Aquaculture Agency (ANPA)
2. An Ocean Council (CNM)
3. New legislation to create fishing zones and better apply fisheries law.
4. Comprehensive marine zoning for sustainable management of marine resources
5. National control and management capacity
6. Two national observer programmes: one records catch and bycatch on tuna, shrimp, and trawler boats; the other records marine mammal observations on seismic vessels. These data are analysed along with company declarations to better characterise sector activity.
7. New fishing licences, boat registers, and monitoring are transforming the informal artisanal fishery sector. Artisanal communities have consulted about marine management zones. These zones are in the process of getting management plans.

CMP
CMP Sub-category
conservation_species
conservation_species (field_conservation_species:delta)0
Status
Active
Summary

Gabon bleu is an ambitious government initiative to better conserve marine environments. 

Theme 1
Url
https://gabonvert.com/gabon-bleu/