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Fishers' involvement is crucial. Image: WDC/JTF

When porpoises and people overlap

We're funding a project in Hong Kong that's working with fishing communities to help save...

Mindful conservation – why we need a new respect for nature

'We should look at whales and dolphins as the indigenous people of the seas -...
A dolphin called Arnie with a shell

Dolphins catch fish using giant shell tools

In Shark Bay, Australia, two groups of dolphins have figured out how to use tools...
Common dolphins at surface

Did you know that dolphins have unique personalities?

We all have personalities, and between the work Christmas party and your family get-together, perhaps...
Leaping harbour porpoise

The power of harbour porpoise poo

We know we need to save the whale to save the world. Now we are...
Holly. Image: Miray Campbell

Meet Holly, she’s an incredible orca leader

Let me tell you the story of an awe-inspiring orca with a fascinating family story...
Humpback whale. Image: Christopher Swann

A story about whales and humans

As well as working for WDC, I write books for young people. Stories; about the...
Risso's dolphin at surface

My lucky number – 13 years studying amazing Risso’s dolphins

Everything we learn about the Risso's dolphins off the coast of Scotland amazes us and...

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.