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ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) - Despite passing a symbolic resolution to overturn a 21-year moratorium on commercial whaling last year, it is unlikely that there will be enough support to formally end it when the International Whaling Commission meets here Monday.
The ban was enacted in 1986 to protect several vulnerable species. Pro-whaling nations, including Japan, Norway and Iceland, argue that it can be lifted because whale populations have rebounded. Norway and Iceland do not recognize the ban and conduct commercial whaling.
A 75 percent majority would be necessary to end the moratorium, and the symbolic resolution passed at last year's meeting fell short of that mark. Also, several pro-moratorium members have been added to the 75-member commission since then.
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