Marine Connection is standing with long-standing colleagues in Antigua and Barbuda in strongly opposing any plans for the country to support the reintroduction of commercial whaling at the 70th Meeting of the International Whaling Commission in Hobart, Australia. The commercial killing of these intelligent, highly social, and remarkable animals is unnecessary, inhumane and has no place in the modern world. Whales are vital to healthy oceans. They help maintain marine ecosystems and support biodiversity.
Antigua and Barbuda is rightly celebrated as a paradise – a country of extraordinary natural beauty and rich marine life. Returning to commercial whaling would risk damaging that reputation and undermine the country’s standing as a place that values and protects its natural heritage. Antigua and Barbuda should be a champion for whale protection, not commercial whaling. It may be a paradise for people, but if commercial whaling is allowed to return, it will no longer be a paradise for whales.
We join the call urging the Government of Antigua and Barbuda to listen to its people and reject any pathway towards the resumption of commercial whaling.
