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
USA Whale Watching
Information on WhaleWatching operations
Section: Information on WhaleWatching operations
Theme: Whale watching
Country profile on Whale Watching Handbook
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Status: Active
This section outlines U.S. domestic efforts related to whale watching.
External URL: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/topic/marine-life-viewing-guidelines#overviewUSA Current Government Programs Related to Cetacean Conservation
Current Government programs related to cetacean conservation
Section: Current Government programs related to cetacean conservation
Theme: Cooperation and Research, Strandings
Country profile on Whale Watching Handbook
Date started:
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Status: Active
Cooperation with States, Tribes, Alaska Native Organizations, and Non-Governmental Organizations
External URL: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/USA Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program
Reporting systems for cetacean injuries/mortality/strandings
Section: Reporting systems for cetacean injuries/mortality/strandings
Theme: Strandings
Country profile on Whale Watching Handbook
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Status: Active
The Marine Mammal Protection Act was amended in 1992 to formally establish the Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program (MMHSRP).
External URL: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/national/marine-life-distress/marine-mammal-health-and-stranding-response-programUSA Current Government Programs Related to Cetacean Conservation
Current Government programs related to cetacean conservation
Section: Current Government programs related to cetacean conservation
Theme: Cooperation and Research, Strandings
Country profile on Whale Watching Handbook
Date started:
Date ended:
Status: Active
Cooperation with States, Tribes, Alaska Native Organizations, and Non-Governmental Organizations
External URL: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/USA Current Government Programs Related to Cetacean Conservation
Current Government programs related to cetacean conservation
Section: Current Government programs related to cetacean conservation
Theme: Cooperation and Research, Conservation Management plans
Country profile on Whale Watching Handbook
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Status: Active
National initiatives related to cetacean conservation.
External URL: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/national/marine-mammal-protection/marine-mammal-stock-assessmentsUSA International Research and International Marine Mammal Action Plan
International cooperation activities
Section: International cooperation activities
Theme: Cooperation and Research
Country profile on Whale Watching Handbook
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Status: Active
The U.S. Government, through the NMFS, the U.S. Marine Mammal Commission, and other Federal agencies, undertakes a number of research projects on cetaceans in U.S. waters and overseas.
External URL: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/national/international-affairs/international-marine-mammal-conservationUSA International Workshops and Collaborative Initiatives
International cooperation activities
Section: International cooperation activities
Theme: Cooperation and Research, Bycatch
Country profile on Whale Watching Handbook
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Date ended:
Status: Active
Since the 2016 IWC meeting, the U.S. has worked with international partners to reduce bycatch of marine mammals through gear modification and to support collaborative initiatives to better understand and mitigate serious injuries and mortalities of marine mammal.
External URL: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/national/international-affairs/international-marine-mammal-conservationUSA Legal Protections
Legal developments
Section: Legal developments
Theme: Other
Country profile on Whale Watching Handbook
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Status: Active
In the U.S., a cetacean species deemed to be “in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range” is protected as “endangered” under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
External URL: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/topic/endangered-species-conservationUSA Legal Protections
Legal developments
Section: Legal developments
Theme: Other
Country profile on Whale Watching Handbook
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Status: Active
Federal activities that may affect cetacean and other wildlife species, or their habitats, or other components of the human environment, must undergo an environmental analysis under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
External URL: https://www.epa.gov/laws-regulations/summary-national-environmental-policy-actUSA Current Government Programs Related to Cetacean Conservation
Current Government programs related to cetacean conservation
Section: Current Government programs related to cetacean conservation
Theme: Bycatch, Other
Country profile on Whale Watching Handbook
Date started:
Date ended:
Status: Active
The Marine Mammal Commission (Commission) is an independent agency of the U.S. government charged by the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) to further the conservation of marine mammals and their environment.
External URL: https://www.mmc.gov/