Southern Ocean Research Partnership

In 2008 Australia proposed to the International Whaling Commission (IWC) the development of regional non-lethal cetacean research partnerships. These research partnerships would use modern, non-lethal, scientific methods to provide the information necessary to best conserve and manage cetacean species. The proposal was received very positively by IWC member nations. The Australian Government is now supporting the development of a Southern Ocean Research Partnership (SORP) using non-lethal methods. The Australian Marine Mammal Centre will lead Australia's scientific commitment to this initiative. General information about the SORP is available in the SORP information pamphlet.

The Australian Government hosted the first planning workshop in March 2009 which was open to all nations and IWC-affiliated groups interested in contributing to the Southern Ocean Research Partnership. Details of the workshop are available below. The Southern Ocean Research Partnership (SORP) Workshop was held successfully during 23-26 March 2009 at the Australian National Maritime Museum, at Darling Harbour in Sydney, Australia. The 50 workshop participants included scientists of 16 nationalities, with formal representation from 12 countries (Australia, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, France, Italy, Mexico, New Zealand, South Africa, Uruguay and USA) and several research and environment consortiums. Workshop documents, including a Final Workshop Report and Final Summary of Outcomes are available here.

The SORP was endorsed by the Scientific Committee of the IWC at its Annual Meeting in June 2009. A SORP Steering Group has been set up to guide the development of the SORP and an associated workplan has been agreed.

Media inquiries: All media inquiries should be directed to Patti Lucas (patti.lucas@aad.gov.au).

General inquiries: All general inquiries should be directed to sorp@aad.gov.au. 

Last updated: 17 September 2009