Leading whale experts plea oil companies to save endangered whales.

11 June 2009

Today, the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) joins the World Conservation Union (IUCN) scientists in a plea to oil companies operating at Sakhalin (Far East, Russia) to cease potentially harmful activities in the area until the status of the whale population has been clarified.

This plea is included in today’s report from IUCN’s Western Gray Whale Advisory Panel (WGWAP). In April 2009, given the raising concerns on the status of critically endangered population of Western Gray Whales, the WGWAP, consisting of 11 world recognized whale experts, recommended the Sakhalin Energy Investment Company (SEIC) suspend its 2009 seismic survey in order to protect the whales. This recommendation was taken by SEIC.

Today’s report indicates that he total number of whales occupying the near-shore area decreased by nearly 40% in comparison to 2007. The potential causes of these harmful processes might be related to oil industry activities it the area over the past years and specifically to activity conducted by Exxon Neftegaz Ltd.

IFAW joins IUCN scientists and urges oil companies operating at Sakhalin to follow the SEIC example and implement the seismic activity moratorium recommended by whale experts.

“It is essential that all international efforts are taken to secure the survival of these critically endangered whales,” said Patrick Ramage, IFAW Global Whale Program Director. “World class science and responsible corporate action can give our planet’s most endangered whales a fighting chance. We are hopeful that Exxon, BP and other companies involved will follow the SEIC example and act responsibly.”

Since 2000, IFAW has started its independent Western Gray Whales monitoring program. Data provided by IFAW for the consideration of WGWAP served as part of the basis for the Panel’s recommendations.

For media-related inquiries, contact:
Grisha Tsidulko (IFAW, Russia)
Tel: +7 495 933 3411