Resolution 1999-8

RECALLING that the Commission is developing a Revised Management Scheme that will require regular
updates on relevant new methods and technologies for the inspection and monitoring of commercial whaling
operations;
NOTING that one of the most promising of these technologies is DNA-based identification of market products
and genetic typing of known catches;
THE COMMISSION NOW THEREFORE:
REQUESTS the Scientific Committee to establish an agenda item to provide annual reports on progress in the
following areas:
a) Genetic methods for species, stock and individual identification;
b) Collection and archiving of tissue samples from catches and by-catch;
c) Status of and conditions for access to reference databases of DNA sequences or microsatellite profiles derived
from directed catches, by-catch, frozen stockpiles and products impounded or seized because of suspected
infractions.
AND FURTHER REQUESTS the Scientific Committee to provide advice to the Commission on the
development and implementation of a transparent and verifiable system of identification and tracking of products
derived from whales taken under the RMP, and to provide a means to differentiate such products from those
taken outside the RMP.