MP calls for greater protection for whales

1.04.42pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 18th Jun 2010

MP calls for greater protection for whales

On 9th June Stephen Williams attended a reception hosted by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) in aid of raising awareness about the need for greater protection for whales.

Stephen said: "I am pleased to be taking part in this campaign. Whales face more threats today than ever before and this project sends out a positive message that we should all be working to protect the ban on whaling and safeguard whale populations."

IFAW works year-round to protect whales from the many threats they face including commercial whaling, ship strikes, entanglement in fishing gear, pollution, climate change and man-made ocean noise.

The worldwide ban on commercial whaling is currently under threat with a compromise deal due to be discussed at the next International Whaling Commission (IWC) meeting in Agadir, Morocco, later this month. If passed, the deal would legitimise commercial whaling for the first time in more than 20 years.

Robbie Marsland, UK Director of IFAW, said: "We are very grateful to Stephen for showing his support for whales at such a critical time. IFAW opposes commercial or so-called 'scientific' whaling because it is cruel and unnecessary and we believe these magnificent and intelligent creatures should be protected for future generations to enjoy. Support for this project demonstrates that many people feel the same."