WDCS in the South West Pacific

This region is one of three that are likely to face the most acute effects of climate change. Cetacean interactions with fishing fleets in the South Pacific Ocean (specifically tuna) are now receiving greater attention and bycatch remains a significant issue in the southeast Pacific.

A CMS regional agreement for the Conservation of Cetaceans and their Habitats in the Pacific Islands Region now covers this region and a vast region spanning between the Tropic of Cancer and 60 degrees South latitude and between 130 degrees East longitude and 120 degrees West longitude making it the largest (by area) comprehensive whale and dolphin protection agreement in the world.

WDCS is committed to working with the agreement towards real on-ground tangible results to bring dolphin interactions with fisheries to an end and the impacts of noise pollution to be reduced. We can look for an end to the drive hunts in the region and aim for a future where no dolphin captures take place for public display in captivity. Together this threat mitigation can make a difference to literally thousands of animals.

WDCS's historical contribution to this region has included conservation projects to protect:

• Humpback whale, Tonga;
• Hector's dolphin, New Zealand;
• Orca, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea; and
• Blue whale, Australia.

Issues WDCS is currently working on in this region:

WDCS Species Programme
WDCS Securing Regions with CMS Programme

Pacific Islands Region In 2002, WDCS identified the Pacific as a region in need of greater protection for whales and dolphins. 2008-February-20