Editorial: Islands of Strength
by Dr. Janice Henke, Anthropologist

During the recent International Whaling Commission meeting in Ulsan, South Korea, a number of dramas were enacted on which the final curtain has not yet fallen. The Like Minded Group nations who all oppose resumption of commercial whaling as well as any further scientific research whaling, continue to be frustrated in their attempts to stop Japan's lawful and rational plans regarding the whale resource.

Australia in particular has made threatening and unpleasant noises towards its tiny island nation neighbors, and a number of non-governmental organizations are planning to do these tiny islands as much harm as possible in retribution for their stance in support of Japan on whaling issues.

Nauru complained that Australia's criticism of its voting record "undermines its sovereignty", and that it supports scientific research on whales and harvest of whales in order to preserve its tuna stocks. (ABC Online, 6/28/05) A spokesperson for Nauru said "some whale species have the potential to devastate Nauru's tuna stocks." Nauru stood firm in its decision. IWMC congratulates this little nation for resisting the bullying of its large neighbor.

The Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, Kiribati and Palau are now all being threatened with a substantial economic boycott in retribution for their own courageous stand at IWC - these little nations all voted to restore regulated commercial whaling. The Hawaii Inter- national Surf and Dive Association, and other such groups of recreational divers have indicated that they shall boycott these nations' dive destinations for the next two years. This is outright bullying, reminiscent of the efforts of anti-use NGOs to boycott resorts in the Caribbean when those nations supported Japan on the Southern Ocean Sanctuary issue. The Caribbean nations have also firmly stayed their ground in support for sustainable whaling. Good job, friends.

IWMC urges all those who enjoy recreational diving in the warm and beautiful Pacific to take advantage of all that Nauru, Tuvalu, Kiribati and Palau have to offer. Their reefs and beaches are beautiful and waiting. Their people are honorable and well-informed world citizens who are being unfairly and unjustly targeted for their stand in support of sustainable and scientifically justifiable use of renewable resources.

All small island nations are concerned about the sustainability of their marine resources, which for them are everything. Their courageous decision to do what they believe is right for their people and their livelihoods is being highlighted by the anti-use crowd as somehow dishonorable and unwise. This imperialistic attitude is entirely out of sync with modern post-war economic and social realities. IWMC congratulates all those nations who stand up to bullies regardless of the consequences. We say to them, "This too will pass" and the world shall come to encourage these small nations as they prosper in their independence and in their spirit.