An initiative to enlist more countries around the world to the anti-whaling cause has been launched by the UK government.
A Defra document, 'Protecting Whales - A global responsibility', is endorsed in a foreword by Prime Minister Tony Blair and the naturalist and broadcaster Sir David Attenborough.
The publication, being sent to governments of countries who are not yet members of the International Whaling Commission (IWC) explains why it is important that more of them join the IWC and back British and European efforts to protect whales, dolphins and porpoises around the globe.
Britain is concerned about the loss of the anti-whaling majority within the IWC and the increasing disregard that pro-whaling countries are showing towards the internationally-agreed moratorium on commercial whaling.
Despite the 20-year old ban, the number of whales killed each year continues to grow.
Tony Blair's message to other governments in the foreword says:
"The UK government strongly supports the International Whaling Commission's moratorium on commercial whaling. We urge your government to join the UK and the other anti-whaling nations to ensure that our generation meets its global responsibility to protect whales."
Fisheries Minister Ben Bradshaw, launching the initiative, said:
"Whales are a common heritage and as such the responsibility for their conservation and protection rests with all countries, whether or not they have coastal waters.
"Whaling is inherently cruel and economically unnecessary and we would urge all countries to join the IWC, protect the IWC's moratorium and take up the global responsibility to protect whales for future generations."
