Review of small cetaceans : distribution, behaviour, migration and threats

Abstract

Cetacean conservation is a crucial component of the work of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), which aims to conserve and manage avian, aquatic and terrestrial migratory species, as well as their habitats, throughout their range. As a global environmental treaty, CMS organises trans boundary cooperation for species migrating across or outside national boundaries, such as cetaceans. It provides the legal framework for conservation measures throughout the migratory range and strives to maintain or restore a favourable conservation status of the species and their habitats in order to facilitate, where applicable, sustainable use. T he Convention provides a platform to develop and tailor measures according to particular conservation needs. T his is achieved through a variety of instruments.