On the 18th September 2009in Bonn Germany the 6th Meeting of the Parties (MOP) to the Agreement on the Conservation of Small Cetaceans of the Baltic, North East Atlantic, Irish and North Seas (ASCOBANS) ended in Bonn,Germany, with countries adopting two action plans: one to conserve harbor porpoises in the North Sea, the other intended to ensure the recovery of the critically endangered harbor porpoise population in the Baltic Sea, where just a few dozen animals might be left.
“The adoption of these action plans is long over due and of critical importance. It may be the last chance to prevent the porpoises vanishing from parts of the North Sea and the whole of the Baltic Sea” comments Mark Simmonds, International Director of Science at WDCS, the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society. “The real challenge now is for countries to implement and enforce conservation action and make a real change in fisheries operations. We cannot afford to lose any more time, with thousands of dolphins and porpoises dieing in Northern European waters every year” concludes Simmonds.
Another key issue discussed has been the plans for large scale development of marine wind parks, especially in the North Sea, and their potential adverse impact on marine mammals. Of particular concern is the intensive noise produced by the pile-driving used during construction to place the foundations of the turbines on the seabed. A proposal from Belgium to take a more precautionary and strategic approach to the siteing of marine renewable energy developments, combined with recommendations about limiting noise has been endorsed by the meeting.
“A conflict between industrial and conservation interests is apparent. Whether it is fisheries, oil and gas, military or even interests by the “renewable energy sector”, it becomes essential to make conservation objectives a fundamental principle when considering any of these issues. Otherwise we continue to lose species and populations” says Simmonds from WDCS calling on governments to make industries accountable for their impacts.
The Parties did not come to a formal conclusion to include the larger cetaceans in the region into the agreement (a matter that has been debated for many years), but the Parties agreed to continue to consider the issue at the next meeting of Parties. Another matter still largely unresolved is how noise pollution is addressed.
ASCOBANS was concluded in 1991 under the auspices of the Convention on Migratory Species (Bonn Convention) and entered into force in1994. In 2008 the Agreement area was extended and now covers the Baltic, North East Atlantic, Irish and North Seas. The aim of the Agreement is to promote close cooperation amongst countries to protect small cetaceans – dolphins,porpoises, and also beaked whales - in this region.
Parties to ASCOBANS are:
Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Lithuania,The Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, United Kingdom,