According to a report recently published by the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals under the UN Environment Programme, 86 per cent of all toothed whale species, entanglement in gillnets, traps, weirs, purse seines, longlines and trawls is resulting in an unsustainably high death toll.

The report is an encyclopaedia on the 72 species of toothed whales and represents the most recent scientific findings on the distribution, migration, behavior and threats to this suborder of the cetaceans, which includes sperm whales, beaked whales, porpoises and dolphins.

Most marine species are heavily affected by ongoing and unsustainable mortalities through fishery interactions and even if whales are not targeted directly by the fisheries, over-fishing of their predominant prey species was identified as a threat to 13 species (or 18%) in 2011 as opposed to 11 (or 15%) in 2001. Lack of food and forced dietary shifts due to overfishing pose additional threats to these 13 species.

Although hunting on a commercial scale has largely come to an end, many toothed whales still suffer losses from ongoing local hunting, deliberate killings or live-captures. A total of 50 species (or 69%) is now affected by such operations, as opposed to 47 (or 66%) in 2001. Compared to the Review of Small Cetaceans first published online by CMS in 2001, the new report shows that the conservation status of the toothed whales has dramatically worsened over the past 10 years. Seas and oceans are increasingly affected by human activities, with impacts on an increasing number of species around the world.

The CMS Scientific Council has proposed a resolution on gillnet fisheries for adoption next month, calling for immediate action by the international community to improve fishing practices towards reducing the unnecessary death of so many marine mammals. Gear modifications towards using more selective types of nets or hooks, as well as acoustic repellents deterring marine mammals from fishing nets, are already being deployed. In addition, the establishment of seasonal protected areas also reduces incidental capture in fisheries.

At the upcoming 10th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties, a Global Programme of Work for Cetaceans will be considered for adoption. It will further strengthen the role of UNEP/CMS in supporting countries efforts to protect these animals with strong science and sound policy advice.