The Acting Director General of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) has reemphasized Liberia’s position for the sustainable use of marine resources, particularly whales, as opposed to the conservation of whales.
Augustine M. Manoballah indicated that the Country’s position to support the sustainable consumption of whales at the just ended 67th session of the International Whaling Commission (IWC) was informed by Goal 14 of the Sustainable Development Goals which requires all to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.
Though the ban on commercial whaling remains enforced by the IWC, DDGA Manoballah stated that the Scientific Committee has been mandated to develop a reasonable quota for Aboriginal Subsistence Whaling countries. He said, the international community has a longstanding policy of allowing certain indigenous peoples to hunt otherwise protected whales to satisfy aboriginal subsistence needs.
The Acting Director General, who is also Deputy Director General for Administration of NaFAA, further specified that the sustainable utilization of marine resources is key towards achieving food security, the world over.
Manoballah said, Liberia was among several other African countries including Ghana, Togo, Benin, Kenya, among others that strongly supported the Japan’s resolution to lift the temporary ban on commercial whaling. However, the Florianopolis Declaration which was introduced by host Brazil as well as Argentina, Colombia, et al, witnessed the Japanese proposal for the return of commercial whaling losing out, with 41 votes against 27.
