Day Four began with a presentation from the Scientific Committee, responding to questions raised during earlier discussions and giving further information about the Committee's work. The Commission welcomed recent efforts to communicate the intensive and wide-ranging programme of scientific activities in a non-technical way. These efforts include a new summary booklet in English, French and Spanish.

An important topic revisited today was the extensive work to assess the size, structure and status of cetacean populations. Earlier in the meeting, information was provided on these assessments, which are the foundation on which much of IWC's work is built, and the focus of another new communications effort by the Scientific Committee.  Some of these complex assessments have been converted into simple 'thermometer style' graphic to indicate whether population status is good or poor. This work was endorsed as part of the Scientific Committee report and the first assessments will be available shortly on the IWC website, with more to follow.  

Recognising the importance of two-way communication, the Commission also agreed to create a Science Liaison Group to more clearly convey Commission tasks and priorities to the Scientific Committee. A small group of science-literate Commissioners and representatives was formed. This group reflects the geographic and political diversity of the Commission, and will begin its work in the next intersessional period. 

The proposal to create a whale sanctuary in the South Atlantic Ocean did not achieve consensus and was put to a vote. This vote did not reach the 75% support required to make the necessary changes to the legal framework of the Commission, the IWC Schedule. The proponents thanked the Commission for a constructive debate, noted an increase in support, and undertook to continue work on the proposal in the next intersessional period. 

In the run up to the meeting, five Resolutions were proposed. Two were adopted today by consensus, both related to strengthening collaboration and exchange of information. The first was on cooperation in Antarctica and the second on synergies between the IWC, the Convention for Biological Diversity and the Kunming Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, and the Agreement on Biodiversity in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction. One Resolution, on responsibilities related to commercial whaling activities,  was adopted by vote.

Two Resolutions were withdrawn for further discussion in the next intersessional period,  These were on Food Security and the Implementation of a Conservation and Management Program for whale stocks aimed towards the orderly development of the whaling industry. The proponents of both Resolutions reported constructive progress and plans to continue discussions during the next intersessional period.

The Chair thanked the members of the Commission for the calm and respectful approach taken to several subjects which can be difficult, polarising and emotional, recognising that respect and trust amongst all parties enables the Commission to deal with issues in a manner which may take time but ultimately helps find common ground.

The meeting concludes tomorrow.