IWDG Propose a European Whale and Dolphin Sanctuary

On 7 June 1991, the then Taoiseach Charles Haughey declared Ireland a Whale and Dolphin Sanctuary in recognition of the importance of Irish waters “for these magnificent creatures”.  The Sanctuary Declaration was unique in Europe and no EU Member State had made such an unequivocal statement about the importance of their waters for cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoise).  The Sanctuary Declaration had a number of important precedents, it covered the Irish EEZ which extends up to 200 nmls (350km) offshore and acknowledged the importance of habitat protection.

Although no additional legislation was enacted to support the Sanctuary Declaration as the existing legal framework was considered appropriate, it did raise awareness and interest in cetaceans in Ireland and ultimately led to increase research and knowledge which has led to conservation actions. The Sanctuary Declaration led to a clearer understanding of the responsibility Ireland had to cetaceans and their habitat including in offshore waters. The Sanctuary Declaration was a precursor to action leading to protection in Irish waters and thus the IWDG consider the Sanctuary Declaration a success.

A part of the 21^st Anniversary celebrations of the Sanctuary Declaration, the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group are proposing the extension of this sanctuary concept throughout European waters to create a European Whale and Dolphin Sanctuary. There are a number of small marine protected areas in Europe for cetaceans including harbour porpoise and bottlenose dolphins and some international sanctuaries such as the Pelagos Sanctuary in the Mediterranean. These areas all have important roles to play but cetaceans are mobile marine species and travel large distances. Also to gain public support for cetacean conservation it may require a larger, more simple concept.

The European Whale and Dolphin Sanctuary proposal has been endorsed by the Environmental Pillar and we have held informal discussions with partners throughout Europe. The IWDG will promote this concept within Europe and encourage like-minded people and organisations to lobby their own government to make such a clear and unequivocal statement on cetacean conservation. Action requires political will which needs engagement by the public.

Please sign the petition at

http://www.avaaz.org/en/petition/To_create_a_panEuropean_Whale_and_Dolphin_Sanctuary/?launch

For more information contact:

Brendan Price

IWDG Campaigner for a European Whale and Dolphin Sanctuary

Tel: 00353 1 8354487; Mobile: 00353 87 324 5423

Email: bmp.price@gmail.com