International Whaling Commission: International Observer Scheme

DG 4

1959-1985

Files relating to the development of the International Observer Scheme including the reports of the observers on whaling vessels and whaling stations.

Not Public Record(s)

English

57 file(s)

Open

Topics

Fishing

The idea of an International Observer Scheme to place observers on whaling vessels and shore whaling stations was first put forward by Norway at the seventh meeting of the International Whaling Commission in 1955, but it was not implemented until 1972. The first agreement for the scheme was signed on 29 October 1963. Owing to various objections from some of the signatories of that agreement, the scheme was never introduced and that agreement lapsed at the conclusion of the 1965/66 season. A new agreement was drawn up in 1968, and adopted in 1971. It was agreed that observers would be of a different nationality from the whaling vessel or shore station to which they were appointed.

The role of international observers is to observe and report back directly to the International Whaling Commission Secretariat on their observations. By doing this, reasonable assurance of the validity of results recorded by the whaling vessels and shore stations is given.