Whaling Survey

Monaco, 24 October 1997: IWMC World Conservation Trust released the results of a survey done by Responsive Management which indicated Americans had generally low levels of specific knowledge about whales, that the information they did have was often inaccurate, and when able to make informed choices with accurate data, they generally support a regulated whale harvest. The day after these survey results were made public, the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) issued a news release in which Patrick Ramage, IFAW’s Director of Public Affairs, cited another study purporting to show an opposite result. 

“We held a press conference within days of receiving the results of the survey,” said Lapointe, “and at that time we provided the media with copies of the complete survey report.” 

The IFAW survey is apparently a bit more elusive.  Three days after their original news release, another version appeared with several graphs attached.  There was still no information on sampling or survey methodology. Calls to IFAW offices have not been returned. A search of professional journals, databases, and the Internet have failed to reveal any mention of survey, data related to it, or any previous work by the company. 

Lapointe says, “This IFAW survey appears to demonstrate the hypothesis we tested, that is, when more accurate information is presented, the informed public makes rational choices. We found the most recent published survey data and presented them with full documentation to the press.  The IFAW news release presents two numbers and some rhetoric with no background available to scientifically evaluate its validity. It would be unprofessional for me to comment on something without investigating the source.  I presume the press will simply have to draw their own conclusions until IFAW sees fit to bring their survey into the light of day.”

CLICK HERE TO VIEW WHALE SURVEY