Relevant international conventions on marine mammal management and the adherence of the Indonesian regulatory framework to the conventions
Achmad Sahri

Research Center for Oceanography, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN)

Abstract

Five international conventions related to marine mammal governance were analyzed to comprehend the benefits they provide for marine mammal conservation management. In addition, 28 Indonesian regulations were also examined to assess the available policies related to marine mammal management and the adherence of the country^s regulatory framework to the conventions. Three conventions were ratified entirely by the Indonesian government, namely the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES), the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and the Convention on Biological Diversity of the United Nations (CBD), because of their benefits for and in line with the country^s goal on marine biota protection and management. The two conventions that are not (yet) ratified by Indonesia are the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling (ICRW) and the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS). We found some urgent-yet-lacking policies from the current regulations, including regulations on traditional whale hunting, the code of conduct for marine mammal watching tourism, and underwater noise pollution. The examination of the Indonesian legislative framework for marine mammal governance and protection shows that the country^s management approach mostly reflects and adheres the required principles laid down in the five international conventions. We suggest Indonesian government to be a full member of the CMS and IWC to further strengthen the conservation management of marine mammals, including managing traditional hunting practiced by Indonesian locals, and other support and benefits beyond whaling provided by the conventions.

Keywords: conservation management, international convention, marine mammal, Indonesian regulation

Topic: Marine Resources, and Conservation