Antigua and Barbuda has called for a formal review of the international moratorium on commercial whaling, arguing that a measure introduced more than four decades ago was never reassessed as originally intended.

The country made the call during the 70th meeting of the International Whaling Commission (IWC70) in Hobart, Australia, as the organization marks its 80th anniversary.

In its opening statement, Antigua and Barbuda noted that the moratorium was introduced in 1982 and was expected to be reviewed after 10 years.

“That review has never been done. Forty-three years later, we are still living under a measure that was meant to be temporary and reviewed,” the statement said.

Antigua and Barbuda is now pushing for that review to take place, with the aim of moving toward what it describes as sustainable use in keeping with the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling.

The country argued that the convention was established with two objectives — conservation and the management and development of the whaling industry — and said both should be respected.

Antigua and Barbuda also sought to distinguish modern whale harvesting in some coastal communities from the large-scale industrial whaling of the past. It said whales are taken in some Small Island Developing States for food security, nutritional needs and cultural continuity, rather than for oil or industrial purposes.

The statement said such harvesting can be permitted when conducted scientifically and within the framework of the IWC’s Scientific Committee.

Antigua and Barbuda further argued that decisions within the commission should be based on science, law and the convention, while respecting the rights of sovereign states.

It linked its position to wider challenges facing small island states, including climate change, food security and the need for sustainable livelihoods and ecosystem-based management of ocean resources.

“Whales are part of that ecosystem. They must be managed, not mythologized,” the statement said.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Antigua and Barbuda Calls for Review of 43-Year-Old Whaling Moratorium.