Antigua and Barbuda’s representative to the International Whaling Commission (IWC), Ambassador Daven Joseph, has challenged the findings of a new survey showing that a majority of citizens oppose commercial whaling and are unaware of the government’s longstanding position on the issue.

Joseph, who also serves as the country’s Development Commissioner, described the poll as unscientific, arguing that the questions were framed in a way that could influence respondents’ views.

He said he was contacted as part of the survey process and believes the wording of some questions was designed to undermine Antigua and Barbuda’s position at the IWC.

The survey, commissioned by the Antigua and Barbuda Ocean Trust and conducted by CoreConsult Inc., found that 64 per cent of respondents oppose commercial whaling, while 68 per cent said they were unaware that the government supports efforts to reopen discussions on the practice at the international level.

The findings come ahead of the IWC’s meeting in Australia from September 27 to October 2, with proposals due by July 30.

For decades, Antigua and Barbuda has supported the position that countries should have the right to determine whether they engage in commercial whaling. The country has never participated in commercial whaling but has supported efforts to challenge the global moratorium on the practice.

Chief of Staff in the Prime Minister’s Office, Ambassador Sir Lionel Hurst, said Antigua and Barbuda’s position has remained consistent since independence nearly 45 years ago.

He said the government does not support unrestricted commercial whaling but believes marine resources can be used sustainably when appropriate safeguards are in place.

“Indiscriminate commercial whaling is unacceptable,” Sir Lionel said, while arguing that restrictions governing Japanese whaling activities prevent negative impacts on whale populations.

He said the country’s approach to whaling mirrors its position on other marine species that there must be a balance between use and conservation.

Joseph also argued that Antigua and Barbuda’s stance is consistent with that of other small island developing states, the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), and African countries represented at the IWC.

The survey results have prompted renewed calls from conservation organisations for the government to change course.

A coalition of 22 international conservation groups, including OceanCare, has written to Prime Minister Gaston Browne urging Antigua and Barbuda not to support any initiative that could lead to the resumption of commercial whaling.

The groups are also calling on the government to support the creation of a South Atlantic Whale Sanctuary.

The survey found that:

• 60 per cent of respondents oppose Antigua and Barbuda proposing a resolution that could contribute to the resumption of commercial whaling.
• 62 per cent believe continued support for commercial whaling could damage the country’s international reputation.
• 56 per cent oppose Antigua and Barbuda’s continued opposition to the South Atlantic Whale Sanctuary.
• 52 per cent believe opposing the sanctuary could negatively affect the tourism industry.

The Antigua and Barbuda Ocean Trust said the findings indicate that public opinion is largely inconsistent with the country’s current position on commercial whaling and related IWC policies.

The international debate over commercial whaling has remained divisive for decades, with Japan and some allies arguing that sustainable commercial whaling should be permitted, while conservation groups maintain that the global moratorium should remain in place.

The issue is expected to return at the IWC meeting in Australia later this year, as Antigua and Barbuda faces renewed scrutiny over its position.

The debate comes as Antigua & Barbuda prepares to host major international events, including the Caribbean Blue Economy Summit and the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).