Sis local environmental groups listed have joined forces and sent a letter to The Honourable Prime Minister Gaston Browne and copied the Honorable Minister of Tourism Charles Max Fernandz requesting that Antigua and Barbuda withdraws this Resolution at once presented to the IWC and reverse the pro-whaling position of the country within the IWC going forward.
In addition to the environmental concerns this will have, there is grave concern over the damage to tourism if eco-minded tourists do not wish to travel to a destination that supports whaling.
A 7th group — ADOPT ACOASTLINE INC — has joined the other six groups in calling for action on this matter.
The groups await a response from the Prime Minister Gaston Brown and are hopeful this action will not result in damage to the Twin Island state.
In a statement from ABITP PRO Martha Watkins Gilkes commented: “The environmental crises has deepened with alarming issues like global warming, ocean pollution, unrelenting heat, coral reefs dying, depletion of fish stocks, species loss; environmental issues go on and on.
“It is irresponsible to take any action that adds to this crisis and removal of whales from the marine environment does so. Whales are essential for the health and productivity of the marine ecosystems, playing a vital role in nutrient cycling and supporting a rich diversity of marine life.
“Their feeding habits stimulate phytoplankton growth, the foundation of the marine food web, ensuring health and productivity in marine ecosystems. The marine environment is in such crisis with so many issues that any additional stress should be avoided. It is the responsibility for all nations and populations to play their part in this”
The Honourable Prime Minister Gaston Browne
Office of the Prime Minister
Factory Road
Queen Elizabeth Highway
St. John’s
Antigua and Barbuda
Dear Honourable Prime Minister Gaston Browne,
We the undersigned are dedicated Antiguan & Barbuda based environmental groups fighting to protect the fragile environment of our twin island state. We are writing to you to express our deep concern regarding Antigua and Barbuda’s plan to propose the ‘Resolution for the Implementation of a Conservation and Management Program for Whale Stocks Aimed Towards the Lifting of the Moratorium and Orderly Development of the Whaling Industry’ at the 2024 International Whaling Commission’s (IWC) meeting in Lima, Peru this week. We join the 25 international NGOs who have reached out to you urgently on this matter.
As you are aware Antigua recently hosted international leaders from around the world at the UN 2024 SIDS4 (Small Island Developing States) Conference in May. In the magazine which was distributed to all participants, the government of Antigua and Barbuda highlighted the numerous ways we as an island-nation are “creating a sustainable future for all” and we emphasized our “commitment to preserving marine diversity and fragile ecosystems”. This Resolution directly contradicts the above statements, as well as our own legislation in the Environmental Protection Act 2019 which states that all whales, dolphins and porpoises are protected species and prohibits hunting them.
Antigua and Barbuda’s pro-whaling position will not only be detrimental to the health of our struggling whale populations, but it could also negatively impact Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism sector and international investment, as we continue to promote our country as an “eco-conscious” destination. We are very concerned with the power the 25 NGOS (with membership worldwide of over 10 million) has to damage our tourism, especially via social media, should they go this course.
We respectfully request that Antigua and Barbuda withdraws this Resolution at once and reverse our pro-whaling position within the IWC going forward.
Respectfully,
- ANTIGUA & BARBUDA INDEPENDENT TOURISM PROMOTION CORP. (ABITPC) Martha Watkins Gilkes.
- ANTIGUA & BARBUDA OCEAN TRUST – Julie Esty.
- ELKHORN MARINE CONSERVANCY (EMC) – Arthur Gosnell.
- AB SEA TURTLES – Ashton Williams.
- BODHICHARYA ENVIRONMENT – Dina Goodenough.
- ANTIGUA CONSERVATION SOCIETY – Eli Fuller
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I want to see where this ends. The current Whaling Commissioner has been under the influence of the Japanese since Lester Bird was PM. The Whaling Commissioner under the UPP continued the same pay for our vote to kill the whales. In fact, the Japanese openly paid his expenses to attend one of the meetings. ABLP come back and brought back the same Commissioner from Lester’s days and the corruption continues
None better than none so who will bell the corrupt cat? Gaston says his government is accountable and will fire anyone involved in corruption. Don’t hold your breath.
Are these signatories, environmentalists, environmental experts, environmental enthusiasts, or environmental Opportunists? Our national and international obligations as a nation are to adhere to our environmental responsibilities, to conserve and utilize living marine resources in a sustainable manner. We have to respect these principles and not allow emotional agents to drive public policies in this regard. Whales are marine resources that are utilize by hundreds of millions of people around the world, including Canada and the United States. The United States consume more whale meat than any other country, the have this right. We support the USA whaling industry, why are these opportunists not condemning the United States. Today its Whales, tomorrow they will come to take our lobsters, counch and snappers away from us in the name of Environmental protection. We must condemn these Opportunists who have never done anything for our fishermen and for sustainable livelihoods in our fishing communities.
Mr Joseph,
I can not answer for the groups that have raised objection to the proposal you have placed for consideration of the commission on behalf of the Government of Antigua and Barbuda. What is clear is that absolutely no consultation with the wider public of Antigua and Barbuda, an element of the Environmental Protection and Management Act 2015 and its replacement the 2019 iteration, together with the Escazu Agreement which the nation ratified early.
Most organisations like the International Whaling Commission realise that there must be a meaningful relationship between themselves and wider society, in this case not even the Fisheries Department has any input to your mission.
You speak of “emotional agents”, take a look in the mirror, emotions are what gets us all out of bed in the morning. Its what your colonial master in Japan have twisted in you, in order that you and the Sovereign rights of our nation are twisted to their consumptive whaling agenda.
The USA does not have a whaling industry, whales are hunted due to an Aboriginal quota system, which is allocated ONLY to indigenous tribes that have a historical use of whale meat, which is a deep and intrinsic part of their culture and lifestyle. In the case of the Inuit, due to their living in deeply cold climates, it is an intrinsic part of their evolutionary development; it is for this reason that this allocation is made. It is not an industry as you allude to, softening up for the use of the word “commercial”.
Your weapon of semantics is just that, words. What actions has the Government of Antigua and Barbuda displayed in the field of conservation, that has not been led by Non-government organisation. I can’t think of one, that has and that really upsets me, while also making life harder for our fisherfolk, even in their lovely fisheries facilities cleaning piles of juvenile conchs, while pulling eggs from large lobsters. Guess when they have become rare like hens teeth you will also claim colonial pressures.
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda, has in it’s wisdom chosen to provide full protection to all cetaceans in our Sovereign waters, yet champions their mortal exploitation for food, food which is considered in most cultures as one of last resort, this is why Japan got into industrial whaling in the first place.
There are indeed pocket of whale consumption all over the World, which have little to no effect of populations, this is the quota provided by the Aboriginal Subsistence Whaling, the word Aboriginal is one you see as colonialist, when actually the peoples who it is applied to have no problem with it. But you do.
Why do you make no reference to the fact that the Oceans of this world are in a deep crisis, one that has one actor to blame, mankind. Coastal whaling is ancient, industrial whaling in distant waters is a modern practice that has shown itself to be problematical for many reasons.
The Soviet illegal whaling program, while being monitored by Japanese observers
Illegal scientific whaling in a IWC Whale sanctuary by Japan
Stinky Whales in Russia
High levels of mercury in small cetaceans world wide
The huge illegal, unreported fisheries of Europe and Asia that have and continue to decimate fisheries in international waters, and indeed in some case in sovereign waters, inside a UNESCO World heritage Site. The work of Seashepherd in West Africa in the absence of appropriate behaviour and grant aid for Japan, tied to the whaling issue, while being assaulted by European and Asian illegal distant water fleets.
You clearly has a dislike for colonialism, many including myself share this, however it is interesting that Antigua and Barbuda has clearly Kowtowed to President Xi . I have yet to hear you to stand up for the 12 million Uyghur people, exploited and repressed by the Chinese Communist Party.
Just how has our nation benefitted from this “quid pro quo” deal as Sir Lester Bird justified it.
Wonder how much Japan subsides your income, clearly it is for them you do what you do, after all you have recieved the highest award the country can bestow on you, why ?
It is also very telling that the last intersetional period, according to the Australian Commissioner state that coming to Antigua and Barbuda, with the USA Commissioner you failed to have that meeting with them.
Have no reason not to believe her; what an act of gross disrespect you displayed, as one doubts they came without an appointment being in place.
And you and your pro-whaling partners will leave the room when a vote is had on the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctury, the Chair has specifically asked the delagates are in the room for the vote, leaving no quorum. You all usually leave the room, absconding from your responsability of representation.
Walk well
Please provide evidence to this pelucidly twisted suggestion is actually “fake “.
“Whales are marine resources that are utilize by hundreds of millions of people around the world, including Canada and the United States.”
@Daven September 25, 2024 At 2:54 pm
I agree when something is overfished that some protection is put in place, just like when we have a season when one cannot catch certain fish, like Lobster and Cob. But that is where it has to stay. A group of people cannot call a ban and we should not just jump on the bandwagon for being afraid of tourist not visiting. The same argument they made when we had dolphins here. And we lost that tourism attraction. But the USA and everywhere they have so many water parks and people from all over go to watch sea creatures they would normally not see in real life. And they also have zoos where they keep wild animals and people coming to see these animals from out of their original habitat. Lions, Tigers, Giraffes. Those belong in the wild in Africa. But you do not see any group protesting against all these zoos. And they are attracting millions of visitors from all over the world. Sad when these so call concern groups think they can come and tell government what policies they should adopt. Sorry Eli but you have no say in this.
Many of these people don’t give a rats ass what is happening in antigua. Unless it has to do with whales and dolphins, you don’t hear a word from them.
What the hell are we supporting whaling for? Antiguans and Barbudans like whale meat?
Why is Daven calling people opportunists? Is there any benefit to being pro whaling for our country? Something stinks here. Just leave the damn whales alone. This stance by the government can only have negative effects on our tourism. You must know how these white folks behave when it comes to animals.
@Daven Get your facts straight before you start to run your mout .
America does not currently have a commercial whaling industry, as the practice has been largely banned.
Antigua also does not or has ever had any kind whaling industry
Whaling in America began as early as the 1600s with Native American practices and later expanded into a commercial industry by the mid-17th century. By the 1800s, it became a major economic activity, especially in ports like Nantucket and New Bedford, Massachusetts
The decline of American whaling began in the late 19th century due to overfishing, competition from other countries (notably Norway), and the rise of petroleum as an alternative energy source. By the early 20th century, the industry had virtually collapsed
Some limited subsistence whaling is still practiced by Indigenous communities in Alaska and other parts of the U.S., but this is not part of a commercial industry and is regulated under specific guidelines. Similar to limited subsistence whaling practiced by St Vincent and the Grenadines.
Today, whaling is illegal in the United States for commercial purposes. The International Whaling Commission (IWC) imposed a moratorium on commercial whaling in 1986 due to concerns over whale populations. While some countries like Japan, Norway, and Iceland continue to hunt whales under various exemptions or justifications (such as scientific research), the U.S. does not participate in commercial whaling activities.
It is clear that the powers that be that claim to help the fishing society and do their best to turn the blame back on the people trying to raise awareness are absolutely clueless on the effects of unsustainable fishing and what it means, these snappers and conchs and lobsters will continue to be pillaged with no consequences from authorities and it is clear that all of these species are suffering because of the negligence and mismanagement by the authorities. All of these species that are caught are caught in significantly less and smaller quantities every year because of this incompetence. And “our lobsters” that are shipped out by the ton to china every week, Leaving the scraps for locals to choose from. And the what is believed by fishermen to be an endless supply of conch is illegally sold and smuggled to neighboring islands and nothing is done. Continue on this path of what you believe is sustainability and you go find out. When ya lobster and snapper and conchs done, CRY TO GAD!
Let the Americans worry about American interests and what goes on in their country, it’s about time that these officials and representatives start worrying about what goes on in Antigua and whaling is not in our interest! Why don’t you use your time to advocate on better sustainability methods and educate the fishering population on what the best and most sustainable methods are! Calling the advocates opportunists is a childish and quite sad attempt at trying to veer off the issue being raised!
@Less We Forget ,You also need to get your facts straight before you start chat
There are a lot of water parks across the United States
Some water parks like Aquatica and Zoombezi Bay include live animal experiences.
Most major water parks in the U.S. focus solely on water attractions without incorporating any live animals.
They are the only a few Water Parks with Live Animal Experiences,
Here are two
Aquatica (Orlando, FL & San Antonio, TX)
Zoombezi Bay (Powell, OH
SeaWorld has confirmed that its current orcas will be the last generation in its care, as it has ended its breeding program. This decision reflects ongoing concerns regarding animal welfare and public sentiment towards captive orcas.
There are also fewer zoos than you would expect in the United States. Data compiled in August 2017 indicates that were only approximately 500 zoological facilities in the country – a number which includes both zoos and aquariums.
That number can change depending on how you count “zoological businesses”
Because you may not have heard about any concerns about zoos that primarily revolve around animal welfare, ethical considerations and the effectiveness of conservation efforts, does not mean that they do not exist.
Do you think zoos are a good thing ?
They keep animals in a prison with no purpose which causes a lot of them to develop an obsessive, repetitive behavior called ‘zoochosis’ which is very similar to a human developing a Psychotic disorder.
There is a growing movement advocating for improved animal welfare standards in zoos and a reevaluation of the role that zoos play in conservation and education.
Since 1984, the Born Free organization has challenged the global zoo industry and today leads the movement against the captive exploitation of wild animals.
So it is not just a few people in Antigua, as so many here like your self seem to think , that are concerned about the welfare of animals and whales.
There are growing numbers of people concerned about animal/whale welfare world wide now.
Antigua only has one main industry, which is tourism, so it needs to be very concerned about how it is perceived out side of Antigua .
No “touris” no money
I have never heard of anyone here eating whale meat. It’s full of mercury anyways and labeled as poisonous read up on it. Its really bad for health. They make it sound like we have a tradition of eating whale and white opportunistic people are trying to change that. In fact it’s a politician manipulating people to take bribes! Don’t be fooled, things are not as they seem here.
https://seaworld.com/
https://dolphinworld.org/florida-locations-to-swim-with-dolphins/ftlauderdaleswimdolphins/
https://theaterofthesea.com/
I mean I took my children to many of these parks, especially in the USA. Now even Dubai has one of the biggest aquariums in the world. Millions of tourists travel to go and watch these sea creators in captivity.
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