The North Pacific whale stocks discussed in 1966

“In preparation for the 4 - nation North Pacific whale conference ( Japan, U.S.S.R., Canada, and the United States ) scheduled to convene in Honolulu in early 1966, Japan is consolidating its views on the state of the North Pacific whale resources . Opinion reportedly is that the condition of the North Pacific whale stocks is such that prompt measures must be taken to protect the resources . On October 12, 1965, the Director of the Japan Whale Research Institute expressed the following views

on the need to restrict whaling operations in 1966: “It may be sail that the problem of the North Pacific whale stock concerns only Japan and the Soviet Union. We are now studying Soviet catch data which the Russians finally forwarded to Japan in June this year. According to their data, considerable quantities of humpback and fin whales have been taken by the Soviet Union. With regard to humpback whales , the Scientific Committee on North Pacific Whales has recommended that the capture of that species be prohibited for one year in 1966 and that subsequent recommendations be made after assessing the results of that measure. The fin whale stock has declined considerably, so I believe further catch reduction is necessary. That leaves us with the sei whales, but that stock also shows a declining trend. The North Pacific whales should be considered as having declined in abundance commensurate to the increased catches made by the two additional Soviet whale fleets. Depletion of whale stocks would also adversely affect the Soviet Union so it is most important that both Japan and the Soviet Union reach accord at the forthcoming scientific meeting. In working out arrangements, it is desirable that catch limits be set according to species. It will probably be difficult for Japan to continue harvesting whales in the quantity taken this year. North Pacific whaling involves operations from land stations, which makes it more complex than the Antarctic operations” (Suisancho Nippo, October 13, 1965.).”

Source

Commercial Fisheries Review dated January 1966 No. 1, p.82-83.