International Whaling Commission approves quota for Bequia whalers

The tradition of whaling for the people of Bequia has been secured for the next six years. This is according to Director of Grenadines Affairs and Whaling Commissioner for St Vincent and the Grenadines, Edwin Snagg.  

According to a news report from the Agency for Public Information (API), Snagg, who is currently attending the International Whaling Commission’s (IWC) meeting in Peru, said the IWC has approved a quota of four whales per year for the Bequia whalers.

API said at the meeting the Commission approved by consensus a quota of four humpback whales per annum. This would allow St Vincent and the Grenadines to continue its cultural practice while adhering to international conservation standards.  

Snagg expressed his satisfaction with the outcome stating, “This is a significant achievement for the people of Bequia. The whaling tradition is a deep-rooted part of their culture, and we are committed to ensuring that this practice continues in a sustainable and regulated way.”  

The API report states the Bequia whaling industry, although small, has long been recognised for its cultural importance, operating under strict quotas and regulations to protect whale populations while respecting the island’s heritage.