The Role and Impact of NGOs in Marine Mammal Governance

Abstract

The exploitation of marine living resources has attracted the attention of different non-governmental actors. Commercial marine mammal hunts in particular have been the subject of interest from international NGOs, and the outcomes of policy decisions surrounding such activities may impact indigenous peoples and have consequences, even if unintended, for their marine mammal hunts. In this chapter we examine the arguments and strategies employed by different non-governmental actors in the debates surrounding marine mammal hunting. From a scholar’s and practitioner’s perspective, we explore the use of evidence-based arguments, traditional narratives, emotive imagery and media, and political tactics by NGOs to influence public perception and decision making as it pertains to marine mammal products, their hunts and their normative standing in society. We propose improved and ongoing communication, beginning with an identification of shared values and agreed facts, amongst international NGOs, governments, and indigenous actors to facilitate policy and decision making surrounding Arctic living marine resources.