Whale Conservation

The country recently announced all water within its 50 nautical mile zone would be protected from commercial fishing,

The government wants to reduce interaction between commercial fishers and whales within Cook Islands waters.

The Cook Islands Minister of Environment, Kiriau Turepu, says his country recognises the importance of whales in the oceans, environment, economy and culture.

He says calving happens in Cooks' waters, which makes them even more special to Cook Islanders.

This week the Samoa Voyaging Society and crew of the Gaualofa underwent a half day planning workshop with SPREP, learning more about whales in the Pacific and to pave a way forward to help carry out activities under The Pacific Year of the Whale.

"We have a strong partnership with the Samoa Voyaging Society and the crew of the Gaualofa, this planning activity to help enhance the regional Pacific Whale Campaign is just one example of this," said Mr. Stuart Chape, the Director of the Biodiversity and Ecosystem Management Division of SPREP.

Pacific Island governments and partners came together to continue the planning and preparation of this special campaign in Apia, Samoa last week.

The three key elements for the special campaign encompass science, conservation management planning and education material to help enhance whale conservation.