The objectives of IWC-POWER

Blue whale

Low direct, high opportunistic

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.

Bryde’s whale

High direct, high opportunistic

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.

Common minke whale

Low direct,  high opportunistic

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.

Fin whale

High direct, moderate opportunistic

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.

Humpback whale

Low direct,  high opportunistic

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.

Right whale

Moderate-high direct,

high opportunistic

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.

Sei whale

High direct, high opportunistic

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.

Sperm whale

High direct, moderate opportunistic

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.