Neither the goals of JARPA, nor those of JARPA II, have been clearly
stated as defined and achievable objectives, nor as scientific questions or
hypotheses that will contribute knowledge important to the conservation and
management of whales.
5.5. In 1987 the objectives of JARPA were summarized as:
Objective 1: Estimation of biological [demographic] parameters to
improve the stock management of the Southern Hemisphere minke whale.
Objective 2: Elucidation of the role of whales in the Antarctic marine
ecosystem.
5.6. In 1995-97 two additional objectives were added:
Objective 3: Elucidation of the effect of environmental change on
cetaceans [whales and dolphins].
Objective 4: Elucidation of the stock structure of the Southern Hemisphere
minke whales to improve stock management.
5.7. Objective 1 was relevant to the NMP but is not relevant to the RMP; in
addition, it was not achieved. Objectives 2, 3, and 4 are so broad that they can be
used to justify almost any activity. Objectives 3 and 4 were added with little or no
justification or connection to results that had previously been obtained under the
program at the date of their addition. A program for purposes of science research
will adjust its goals and objectives as information is obtained and analyzed, but
this needs to be done with clear justification and reference to results obtained to
date.