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Management of dolphins and porpoises

- Better management by regional organizations -

World-wide, there are at least 68 species of small cetaceans commonly known as dolphins and porpoises. Some nations have proposed that the IWC assume authority for their conservation and management. However, this proposal is unrealistic for two reasons.
Firstly, small cetaceans are distributed widely over the world's oceans, and thus occur in the waters of some 140 coastal states, far exceeding the 40 members of the IWC. The distribution of small cetaceans is also characterised by regional concentrations.
Secondly, the IWC does not have the resources in terms of time, money or manpower, to conduct the research needed to regulate so many species. The IWC worked for many years just to complete the Comprehensive Assessment of a few large whale species.
Partly in recognition of the IWC's limited capabilities, in 1992, four North Atlantic nations established the North Atlantic Marine Mammal Commission (NAMMCO) to manage cetaceans in the region. Japan believes similar regional organizations are needed in the Pacific and elsewhere.

Distribution of Harbour Porpoises (Phocoenidae) around the world

The above map provides an example of the regional distribution of some small cetaceans worldwide. Different colors are applied according to the common names of Phocoenidae to illustrate distribution by regions.