To whom it may concern,

Re: Cetacean Post Mortem Funding Cuts

I am extremely disappointed and concerned over the recently announced funding cuts to the cetacean post-mortem programme. Without the evidence of how these animals die how can we do anything to prevent it?

By limiting the number of animal’s post-mortemed we run the risk that we will simply miss vital discoveries or trend analysis in cetacean populations. I am extremely concerned that bycatch levels may change over both time and space and we will simply miss it, potentially not identifying a problem fishery until it has already done irreversible damage.

It is not only cetacean bycatch which concerns me, but also the data archive and analysis of genetics, disease, pollutant and contaminant burdens and stomach content analysis which will be lost. Then there is the unknown - the yet to be discovered. Until recently we would not have looked for signs of gas bubble embolism, a condition indicative of the cause of death. If these cuts had been suggested only 5 years ago, we would not be looking for the condition today.

I urge you to ensure this funding is not reduced so that cetacean post mortem investigations can continue to provide a greater depth of understanding and aid conservation strategies accordingly.

Yours faithfully,


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