IPNLF sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the World Cetacean Alliance

Recently, an important Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between the International Pole and Line Foundation (IPNLF) and the World Cetacean Alliance (WCA) to work collaboratively on their shared goals and activities moving forward. The WCA is a global coalition of leading organisations who are dedicated to the protection of cetaceans around the world. 

The MOU is centered around collaboration in research and communication and, in signing it, both organisations agree to work together to push the endeavors of both organisations forward. The agreement ultimately aims to act as a stronger foundation than was previously established from which both Parties can increase our knowledge of the impact of fishing activities on cetaceans, by extension highlighting the variable impacts of fisheries deploying different types of fishing gears.

Through the MOU, which is effective for 2 years, both organisations have agreed to:

• Annually engage in collaborative activities, particularly those that are advocacy and research related, to advance both Parties’ shared objectives of understanding and highlighting the impacts of fisheries on cetaceans. Where appropriate this will be done publicly.
• Share information with regard to activities of mutual interest, in support of achieving the objectives stated in this MOU.
• Collaboratively communicate on issues of mutual interest as well as successes of collaborative endeavours
• Positively uphold the reputation of the other Party.

“The WCA is proud to be collaborating with the IPNLF as we believe that real change comes from working in partnership. Where there is collaboration, there is a shared sense of purpose and by supporting each other, we can together safeguard cetaceans, their ocean habitats and the communities that live alongside them. “

– Harry Eckman, CEO, WCA

“IPNLF is proud to support and advocate for one-by-one tuna fisheries which have a minimal impact on cetaceans, but there is much more that needs to be done to move towards best practice in other areas of the fishing industry. IPNLF are therefore excited about this new collaboration with the WCA, and are optimistic that through this new partnership and aligned advocacy efforts, our two organisations can raise awareness of crucial issues surrounding the fishing industry and the protection of marine biodiversity”

– Zacari Edwards, Socio Economic Manager, IPNLF