WWF advocates a whale sanctuary between Africa and South America

During the 64th annual meeting of the International Whaling Commission (IWC), opening in Panama, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) will continue to plead the case for endangered whales, dolphins and porpoises. According to the WWF, governments will discuss severe marine threats such as oil and gas exploration and fisheries bycatch, which are driving some cetacean populations to near extinction.

The WWF reports that in addition, stronger measures to protect cetaceans, such as the establishment of a sanctuary, will be on the agenda. "IWC member governments have already begun to strengthen the convention's conservation agenda," Wendy Elliott, head of WWF's delegation said, adding that industrial activities like off-shore drilling and commercial fishing must be better managed.

The WWF urges parties to support a whale sanctuary in South Atlantic waters between Africa and South America, where whale-watching has been steadily increasing, providing ecotourism income, benefits for local communities, and research opportunities.

Read the full article on wwf.panda.org