Current status of cetaceans and other marine mammals in the North Pacific, with a review of advanced research activities on cetacean biology in Japan

Abstract

A total of 21 papers were presented to the Session 34 titled “Current status of cetaceans and other marine mammals in the North Pacific and other accessory seas”. A total of 23 cetacean species occurred mainly in the western North Pacific and other accessory seas was assessed their population status. Reliable abundance estimates for some of baleen whales, such as common minke whales (Okhotsk-west Pacific stock) and Bryde’s whales (western stock) which are in relatively good population status, are available based line transect methodology endorsed by the Scientific Committee of IWC. On the other hand, it was very concerned that western gray whales are in critically endangered status. It was noted that population of Steller sea lions have been depleted but magnitude of depletion are different by area. Current research activities on cetaceans and other marine mammals in Asian waters were reviewed with inviting reports from China, Korea, Thailand and USA. Topics of cetacean researches in other oceans; North Atlantic and Antarctic were also comparatively reviewed, it was noted that Norway has incorporated multi specific management system for cetacean harvest and Japanese research take provides long-term monitoring Antarctic ecosystem. Some of ongoing advanced research projects in Japan were also reviewed.