Chilean deputies approve law against whaling

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Xinhua

Chilean deputies approve law against whaling
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-08-15 10:27
SANTIAGO -- Chile's lower house of parliament approved a draft bill Wednesday prohibiting whale hunting on the country's coast.

The initiative seeks to make it illegal to kill, hunt, capture, transport, disembark, commercialize, store or perform any process of transformation on an alive or dead cetacean.

The motion, which received 57 votes in favor, also sets fines and a prison sentence ranging from three years to five years for violators of the law, which will now be considered by the Senate.

The president of the Natural Resources Commission, Enrique Accorsi, hailed the passing of the initiative, which had been sent by President Michelle Bachelet on July 23.

"The approval of the project is a great step in the conservation and protection of whales, and it reflects a consensus because 99 percent of the population supports the creation of laws to protect and conserve the whales in Chilean waters," he said.


Read more: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2008-08/15/content_6938705.htm

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SURF DOCUMENTARY FILMED IN CHILE
Written by Leigh Shadko
Sunday, 08 June 2008

A group of Australian surfers currently is traveling down the Chilean coastline filming a documentary to promote the creation of a whale and dolphin sanctuary in Chilean waters.

In addition to hitting the waves, the group plans to meet with Chilean surfers, academics and authorities to discuss whale and dolphin protection.

“We want to ensure that the whale sanctuary promised by Chilean President Michelle Bachelet is created and doesn't just stay on paper,” group leader Dave Rastovich said.

More:
http://www.valparaisotimes.cl/content/view/385/388/

[Number9Dream]

1. Thanks for the update, Judi Lynn

This seems to be moving toward becoming Chilean law quickly. I'm sending a note of thanks to the Chilean Government. Here's a link to contact:

http://www.chileangovernment.gov.cl/index.php?option=com_contact&Itemid=3

[Marrah_G]

2. Thank you Chile!