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We're at COP28 to Save the Whale, Save the World.

We’re at COP28 to save the whale, save the world

Ed Goodall Ed is WDC's head of intergovernmental engagement. He meets with world leaders to...
Gray whales from drone.

We’re taking steps to uncover the mysteries of whales

Vicki James Vicki is WDC's protected areas coordinator, she helps to create safe ocean spaces...
We must protect our non-human allies. Image: Tom Brakefield, aurore murguet, johan63

We’re urging governments to protect all of our climate heroes – CITES

Katie Hunter Katie supports WDC's engagement in intergovernmental conversations and is working to end captivity...
The Natütama Foundation are dedicated to protecting endangered river dolphins. Image: Natutama

Guardians of the Amazon: protecting the endangered river dolphins

Ali Wood Ali is WDC's education projects coordinator. She is the editor of Splash! and KIDZONE,...
Amazon river dolphins. Image: Fernando Trujillo/Fundacion Omacha

Amazon tragedy as endangered river dolphins die in hot water

Ali Wood Ali is WDC's education projects coordinator. She is the editor of Splash! and KIDZONE,...
Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin © Mike Bossley/WDC

WDC in Japan – Part 3: Restoring freedom to dolphins in South Korea

Katrin Matthes Katrin is WDC's communications and campaigns officer for policy & communication in Germany...
Wintery scene in Iceland

Seeking sanctuary – Iceland’s complex relationship with whales

Hayley Flanagan Hayley is WDC's engagement officer, specialising in creating brilliant content for our website...
Whaling ship Hvalur 8 arrives at the whaling station with two fin whales

A summer of hope and heartbreak for whales in Icelandic waters

Luke McMillan Luke is WDC's Head of hunting and captivity. Now that the 2023 whaling season...

Which way will the EU vote on whaling?

WDCS has been involved in an ongoing debate with the European Commission EU about the role of Denmark and its influence in defining the EU’s collective position at the IWC.

In the past, EU Member States who have been members of the IWC have always been free to establish their opwn position at the IWC as long as that position is at least equal to, and possibly stronger than EU law. No EU state can take a position that is weaker than existing EU law. For example, no EU Member State can vote for commercial whaling in any guise. However, Denmark has consistently used the excuse of having to support its overseas territories of Greenland and Denmark to avoid voting with the EU and indeed, even to vote for commercial whaling.

Recently the situation has become complicated because the EU Commission, despite the wishes of the Member States, has insisted that the EU all vote unanimously or not at all. The result; Denmark votes as it sees fit and the other Member States are forced to abstain on crucial votes.

WDCS has once again challenged the EU Commission to break out of this stalemate that is inhibiting the EU Members from pursuing their legal duties to uphold EU law. We shall see what happens in the coming days.