The
Governments whose duly authorized representatives have subscribed
here to recognizing the interest of the nations of the world in safeguarding
for future generations the great natural resources represented by
the whale stocks.
Considering that the history of whaling has seen over-fishing
of one area after another and of one species of whale after another
to such a degree that it is essential to protect all species of whales
from further over-fishing.
Recognizing that the whale stocks are susceptible of natural
increases if whaling is properly regulated, and that increases in
the size of whale stocks will permit increases in the numbers of whales
which may be captured without endangering this natural resources.
Recognizing that it is in the common interest to achieve the
optimum level of whale stocks as rapidly as possible without causing
widespread economic and nutritional distress.
Recognizing that in the course of achieving these objectives,
whaling operations should be confined to those species best able to
sustain exploitation in order to give an interval for recovery to
certain species of whales now depleted in numbers.
Desiring to establish a system of international regulation
for the whale fisheries to ensure proper and effective conservation
and development of whale stocks on the basis of the principles embodied
in the provisions of the International Agreement for the Regulation
of Whaling signed in London on June 8, 1937, and the protocols to
that Agreement signed in London on June 24,1938, and November 26,
1945; and
Having
decided to conclude a convention to provide for the proper conservation
of whale stocks and thus make possible the orderly development of
the whaling industry; Have agreed as follows:
Article I, Article
II, Article III, Article
IV, Article V, Article
VI, Article VII, Article
VIII, Article IX, Article
X, Article XI.
In Wittness whereof the undersigned, being duly authorized,
have signed this Convention.
Done in Washington this second day of December, 1946, in the
English language, the original of which shall be deposited in the
archives of the Government of the United States of America. The Government
of the United States of America shall transmit certified copies thereof
to all the other signatory and adhering Governments.
Note: Portions of red letters are colored by JWA for
the purpose of emphasis. |
