FLORIANOPOLIS (BRAZIL) - Tempers flared at the International Whaling Commission on Thursday as it voted to back a Brazilian proposal which would safeguard the marine mammals in perpetuity, after a bitter debate. The declaration -- meant to enshrine a common vision for the 72-year old body -- was angrily rejected by pro-whaling states. "They can take this organization and send it to the abyss where whales go when they die!" Their "Way Forward" envisages a twin-track future of conservation and commercial whaling which would be managed by a new "Sustainable Whaling Committee". Some members have voiced fears that Japan and pro-whaling nations could leave the IWC after the meeting ends on Friday.

Source: Bangkok Post September 14, 2018 00:00 UTC