SIR - I write to draw your attention to the plight facing the world's whales following the recent meeting of the International Whaling Commission.

Halfway through the meeting pro-whaling nations retook control of the commission and adopted a declaration calling for an end to the ban on commercial whaling.

For the first time in decades, the future of the world's whales lies in the hands of Japan and the developing countries that do its bidding in this forum.

Japan and its allies want to break the commission and overturn its ban on commercial whaling. To do that they need to secure three-quarters of the vote and must bring more countries under their control.

The global community has a year to prevent the destruction of the commission. A return to commercial whaling will spell disaster for these magnificent creatures.

Please join in our fight to save the whales from the hunters and take part in Save the Whale Week, (July 6-15) by holding a fundraising event to help WDCS.

Go to www.wdcs.org/savethewhaleweek to find out more, or call us on 01249 449 500.

Sue Fisher, Whaling Expert for the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society, St Paul Street, Chippenham, Wiltshire