Contracted Expert Team/Organization to conduct an appraisal of cetacean-marine debris encounter data to enable a global risk assessment IWC68 adopted Resolution 2022-1, calling for a coordinated scientific effort to assess the impact of marine plastic pollution on cetaceans. At IWC69 the Commission identified an initial goal of conducting a literature study to summarize the impacts of marine debris on cetaceans to lay the groundwork for a global risk assessment. To address this request the Commission endorsed a research project, overseen by the Intersessional Correspondence Group on Marine Debris, to undertake an assessment of data availability with a detailed report of the findings to be presented to IWC70 for consideration by the Commission. Applicants should be experts with experience related to environmental studies and marine debris particularly in relation to cetaceans. Please note detailed Tender applications should be submitted by e-mail to: secretariat@iwc.int by 31 October 2025 with the subject "Tender Application – Cetacean-Marine Debris interactions ". Informal queries from potential respondents should contact the same address. The full details and application process of the call are to be found here: https://archive.iwc.int/?r=22627 Dr. Iain Staniland Head of Science, Conservation and Management INTERNATIONAL WHALING COMMISSION Suite 2, First floor, Victory House, Vision Park, Histon, Cambridge, CB24 9ZR, UK t. +44 (0) 1223 233971 d. +44 (0) 1223 606128 m. +44 (0) 7910658003 www.iwc.int<http://www.iwc.int/> Working hours: 9 am – 5 pm, Monday-Friday [A picture containing table Description automatically generated] This e-mail and any files transmitted with it may contain confidential or legally privileged information and is intended only for the use of the intended recipient(s). If you are not the named addressee you should delete the email and notify the sender immediately. E-mails are not secure and cannot be guaranteed to be error free as they can be intercepted, amended, or contain viruses. Any opinion and other statement contained in this message and any attachment are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the International Whaling Commission.