The International Fund for Animal Welfare says a new agreement in whale and dolphin protection being signed by Pacific countries today was borne out of frustration with the International Whaling Commission.
The MOU signed by regional countries in New Caledonia today is a new set of protocols in whale and dolphin protection in the Pacific.
The signing is taking place in Noumea where Environment ministers and NGOs are attending the 17th conference of the Secretariat for the Pacific Regional Environment Programme, or SPREP.
The IFAW's Mick McIntyre says the agreement has come about from frustration over the inability of the IWC to protect these species and create a sanctuary in the South Pacific.
"Well I think it sends a clear message to the rest of the world that the Pacific region is serious about whale and dolphin conservation. It is important that at this time when the IWC is at a stalemate, that regions show conservation initiatives that are giong to benefit the whales and dolphins and look to the future for their protection."
Mick McIntyre says nine Pacific countries are expected to sign today with three more to sign later.
