ASCOBANS is an abbreviation for the "Agreement on the Conservation of Small Cetaceans of the Baltic, North East Atlantic, Irish and North Seas". It is an intergovernmental agreement established in 1991 to promote the conservation and protection of small cetaceans (whales, dolphins, and porpoises) in the maritime areas mentioned.
ASCOBANS aims to achieve and maintain a favorable conservation status for small cetaceans by reducing the threats they face, including marine pollution, habitat degradation, bycatch in fishing nets, and disturbance from human activities such as underwater noise, ship collisions, and whale-watching.
The agreement encourages its member states, which include countries with coastlines along the Baltic, North East Atlantic, Irish, and North Seas, to cooperate in the collection and exchange of scientific information, implementation of conservation measures, and establishment of protected areas to safeguard these cetaceans' habitats.
ASCOBANS places particular emphasis on addressing the issue of bycatch, striving to reduce accidental entrapment and mortality of small cetaceans in fishing gear. It also promotes public awareness and education to enhance understanding and appreciation of these marine mammals and their ecological significance.
The agreement operates through periodic meetings among its member states, where they review progress, develop conservation strategies, and coordinate actions. It also encourages collaboration with other regional agreements and organizations concerned with cetacean conservation.
ASCOBANS serves as an important framework for international cooperation and coordination in the protection of small cetaceans, contributing to the overall conservation of marine biodiversity in the specified maritime regions.
