The objectives of IWC-POWER
Long-term objectives
IWC-POWER is intended to be a long-term programme enabling the status of large whale populations in the North Pacific to be assessed and, where necessary, provide information to develop conservation and management action. The full text of the agreed long term objective can be found below.
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The programme will provide information to allow determination of the status of populations (and thus stock structureis inherently important) of large whales that are found in North Pacific waters and provide the necessary scientific background for appropriate conservation and management actions. The programme will primarily contribute information on abundance and trends in abundance of populations of large whales and try to identify the causes of any trends should these occur. The programme will learn from both the successes and weaknesses of past national and international programmes and cruises, including the IDCR/SOWER programme.
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Medium-term objectives (6-10 years)
After a comprehensive review of the available information and an identification of the knowledge gaps, a number of priority species and topics were identified for the medium term. In terms of obtaining direct abundance estimates, highest priority was allocated to fin, sei and, in the Okhotsk Sea, North Pacific right whales. If suitable acoustic equipment can be found and deployed, sperm whales could also be a high priority. Other species were identified as being high priority for opportunistically collecting biopsy and photo-id data during directed cruises including blue whales and humpback whales. A summary can be found below.
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Initial priority
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Rationale
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Blue whale
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Low direct, high opportunistic
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Depletion level suggests high priority (i.e. highly depleted based on catch history), but feasibility of addressing outstanding issues in short term is low. Continued photo-id work part of US national programme. Little information on stock structure and movements.
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Bryde’s whale
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High direct, high opportunistic
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Depletion levels suggest low priority (i.e. low depletion given catch history). Consideration on western side already dealt with by the Committee under RMP where a national programme exists. Telemetry may be possible given available vessel. Stock structure relatively poorly understood in central and eastern North Pacific.
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Common minke whale
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Low direct, high opportunistic
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Depletion levels suggest low priority on east. Consideration on western side already dealt with by the Committee under RMP where national programmes exist. However, if Okhotsk Sea covered for other priority species (e.g. right whales) then would provide valuable information incl. biopsy. Telemetry studies priority for stock structure and may be possible with this vessel although this species is more difficult so a separate study may be more appropriate. Choice of ’acceptable’ conditions for survey an issue for multi-species surveys if this species included.
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Fin whale
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High direct, moderate opportunistic
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Depletion levels suggest high priority. Given major genetic analysis on east then biopsy sampling on offshore east and west high priority to improve overall understanding of stock structure. Co-ordination with US national work in Bering Sea needed. Examination of existing data and coverage of uncovered areas needed to determine survey strategies.
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Humpback whale
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Low direct, high opportunistic
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Good information already available from a multi-national photo-id/biopsy programme (SPLASH). Existing programmes sufficient. Opportunistic sightings during cruises may identify new ‘SPLASH’ areas. Feasibility of collecting biopsy and photo-id data opportunistically high.
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Right whale
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Moderate-high direct,
high opportunistic
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Depletion level suggests high priority, but feasibility of addressing outstanding issues in short term is low. Poor knowledge of stock structure. Continued photo-id work part of US national programme. Feasibility of collecting biopsy and photo-id data opportunistically high. New survey in Sea of Okhotsk has high feasibility to obtain good abundance data provided appropriate permits can be obtained from the Russian Federation. Targeted surveys required.
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Sei whale
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High direct, high opportunistic
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High priority for in-depth assessment. High feasibility of obtaining abundance estimates and biopsy samples in well-designed surveys. Cover new areas based on available information.
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Sperm whale
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High direct, moderate opportunistic
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High priority given lack of good information on status but high historic catches. Obtaining abundance estimates for sperm whales can be problematic due to its very long dive times and other issues but combined acoustic/visual surveys have been successful. Feasibility depends on equipment.
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Short-term objectives (up to about 2015)
The short term aim is to cover most of the central and eastern North Pacific (the least studied areas) by 2015. The information obtained on distribution and abundance from these initial surveys, as well as practical information on successful techniques and necessary improvements, is essential for designing the medium-term plan.
