These include habitat loss, marine pollution, acoustic disturbances from various sources and, most importantly, incidental catch by entanglement in fishing gear, so-called bycatch.

Every year, thousands of whales, dolphins and porpoises fall victim to bycatch, drowning because they can no longer swim up to the surface for a breath of air.

As with the MOP, external observers may take part in AC meetings,[2] while the nominated members are the sole decision makers.

It plays an important role in awareness-raising and provides advice and support to the Parties, assisting them in the implementation of the agreement.

Three action plans for harbour porpoises specific to the situation in different parts of the Agreement Area have been concluded to date.

In a more recent statement, the Gesellschaft zum Schutz der Meeressäugetiere, GSM, has called for increased attention to the work of ASCOBANS on the wider scale.

[11] Some NGOs have voiced concern about possible effects of the changed Secretariat arrangements since January 2007, which they see as weakening the capacity of this body of the Agreement.