22 March 2024: 31st NAMMCO Annual Meeting – Commitment to United Nations Sustainable Development Goals at NAMMCO’s Annual Meeting

At NAMMCO’s 31st Annual Meeting held in Reykjavík, Iceland, from March 19th to 21st, the spotlight was on sustainable use of marine mammals, animal welfare, and proposals related to conservation and management. Member countries demonstrated a strong commitment to United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14, emphasizing the conservation and sustainable use of oceans, seas, and marine resources, as well as Goal 2, aiming for Zero Hunger.

During the meeting, 22 new proposals related to conservation and management, along with 44 research needs, were presented to member countries. The forthcoming report from the Management Committees will provide advice on pinniped and cetacean stocks.

The Council’s opening session featured discussions on animal welfare issues associated with marine mammal hunting, drawing insights from both veterinary and legal perspectives. Additionally, the Council received the second instructional video for hunters, developed by the Committee on Hunting Methods.