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 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.

SORP Information

2009 March Sydney Workshop 

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. The 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. Sydney Workshop documents, including a Final Workshop Report and Final Summary of Outcomes are available.

2009 December Seattle Workshop

The USA Government hosted the second SORP workshop from 1-3 December 2009 at the National Marine Mammal Lab in Seattle. The focus of this technical workshop was to scope and develop project plans for specific SORP projects leading into the future. The workshop was attended by 15 representatives from 6 countries (Australia, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, France and USA). A Seattle Workshop Report is available.

2010 Joint Australia-New Zealand Antarctic Whale Expedition (AWE)

The AWE was successfully completed during February and March 2010 and represents a significant commitment to funding non-lethal whale research by the Australian and New Zealand Governments under the SORP initiative. An AWE summary report is available.

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: 30 June 2010