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Resolutions of the 51st Meeting of the International Whaling Commission
IWC Resolution 1999-8
Resolution on DNA Testing
RECALLING THAT the Commission is developing a Revised Management Scheme that will require regular updates on relevant new methods and technologies for the
inspection and monitoring of commercial whaling operations;
NOTING THAT one of the most promising of these technologies is DNA-based identification of market products and genetic typing of known catches;
THE COMMISSION NOW THEREFORE:
REQUESTS the Scientific Committee to establish an agenda item to provide annual reports on progress in the following areas:
- Genetic methods for species, stock and individual identification;
- Collection and archiving of tissue samples from catches and by-catch;
- Status of and conditions for access to reference databases of DNA sequences or microsatellite profiles derived from directed catches, by-catch, frozen
stockpiles and products impounded or seized because of suspected infractions.
AND FURTHER REQUESTS the Scientific Committee to provide advice to the Commission on the development and implementation of a transparent and verifiable system of
identification and tracking of products derived from whales taken under the RMP, and to provide a means to differentiate such products from those taken outside the RMP.
