Resolution 2004-2

Decisions Document Number
2004-2
Long Title
RESOLUTION ON JAPANESE COMMUNITY-BASED WHALING
Body

Annual Report of the International Whaling Commission 2004
56th Annual Meeting, 2004
Resolution 2004-2
RESOLUTION ON JAPANESE COMMUNITY-BASED WHALING
WHEREAS, since 1986, the International Whaling Commission has repeatedly discussed in-depth the
importance of history and culture of Japanese traditional whaling at its various working groups and the
Commission itself;

Whereas the International Whaling Commission, recognising the socio-economic and cultural needs of the
four community-based whaling communities in Japan (Abashiri, Ayukawa, Wadaura and Taiji), has
repeatedly resolved to work expeditiously to alleviate the distress to the communities which has resulted
from the cessation of minke whaling (first, IWC/45/51; most recently, IWC Resolution 2001-6);

WHEREAS, more recently, the Summits of Japanese Traditional Whaling Communities were held in three
consecutive years in Japan (Nagato, Yamaguchi in 2002, Ikitsuki, Nagasaki in 2003, and Muroto, Kochi in
2004) and they have further examined the long-lasting whaling history and culture which are deeply rooted
in various places of Japan, not only in four community-based whaling communities but also throughout
Japan;

WHEREAS the Summits acknowledged that archaeological findings have shown that the ancient Japanese
could have started to utilise beached whales at least 9,000 years ago, could have begun active hunting of
dolphins and porpoises at least 5,000 years ago, and could have launched grand-scale active hunting of large
whales at least 2,000 years ago;

WHEREAS the Summits emphasised that, among others, holding the philosophy and having skills to utilise
whales fully was and is the core essence of the Japanese whaling culture;

WHEREAS the Declarations adopted at the Summits (the 2002 Nagato Declaration, the 2003 Ikitsuki
Declaration, and the 2004 Muroto Declaration) pledged that Japanese time-honoured whaling traditions and
culture are to be passed onto the future generations; and

WHEREAS various UN conventions, treaties, and other documents upheld the importance of sustainable use
of natural resources in general and the significance of continued customary resource use for communities;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE COMMMISSION:
REAFFIRMS the Commission’s commitment to work expeditiously to alleviate the continued difficulties
caused by the cessation of minke whaling to the communities of Abashiri, Ayukawa, Wadaura and Taiji, and

ENCOURAGES IWC members to co-operate towards a resolution of this matter.

Status
Adopted
Treaty
ICRW