CONTENTS

JOINT IWC/ACCOBAMS WORKSHOP ON reducing risk of collisions between vessels and cetaceans

Background
In the last few years, the Scientific Committee has been developing a centralised database on ship strikes with cetaceans. The ACCOBAMS Scientific Committee has agreed to participate in the process. To date, the database contains more than 700 validated records. An online version has been developed this year that has been recently accessible (since May 2009) for consultation and direct input of new data HERE. The objective of developing such a global database was to obtain reliable data to contribute towards an objective assessment of the extent of the problem at the population level in order to: better understand factors that contribute to ship strikes; and thus to be able to prioritise mitigation measures and regions. The purpose of the Workshop is to bring together the various stakeholders (including scientists, technicians, ship owners, regulators, etc.) that will be involved in developing and implementing successful mitigation measures.

Mitigation can be addressed through a series of approaches: technical (detection, eg. REPCET), regulatory (national and international measures, including reporting, vessel speed, shipping lanes, etc.) and informative/educational (awareness raising and crew training). While many of the issues discussed at the workshop will be of broad application, it will be valuable to choose some areas as case studies. It is proposed to focus on the Mediterranean Sea and the Canary Islands given the amount of data and information already available for these regions.

Terms of reference
The general terms of reference are to:

1. Exchange, evaluate and analyse data on temporal and geographical distribution of cetaceans, shipping and reported collision incidents, with a view to: identifying priorities for mitigation in terms of species, populations and areas; and identifying ways to improve data collection and assignment of cause of death;
2. Examine and evaluate existing mitigation approaches/regulations, identify and assess the likely efficacy of potential new ones and make recommendations for further work, including identifying mitigation measures for priority populations/areas as appropriate and methods to examine efficacy;
3. Develop scientific and conservation recommendations and a two-year work plan for consideration by the IWC, ACCOBAMS, IMO and others.

Steering Group
de Lichtervelde (co-convenor, Belgian chair of the IWC Ship strikes Working group), Grillo (co-convenor, ACCOBAMS), Asencio (Spain), Donovan (IWC Secretariat), Donoghue (New Zealand), Gallego (Luxemburg), Gidding (Australia), Leaper (IFAW), Lonsdale (United Kingdom), Panigada (Italy), Sequeira (Portugal), Silber (USA) and Hinchliffe (International Chamber of Shipping).

Venue and timing
The workshop was held 21-24 September 2010 at the Carlton Hotel, Beaulieu-sur-Mer.

DOCUMENTS