Massive whale sanctuary rejected again, but Brazil vows to never stop trying

Reaching consensus at the International Whaling Commission remains a slow process. ( Supplied: Greenpeace/Paul Hilton )

In Hobart for its 70th summit and 80th birthday, the International Whaling Commission has passed its first "single voice" declaration, described as symbolic by some, but an important moment by others.

While progress was made on starting to address growing risks to whales such as vessel strikes, another attempt to establish a vast sanctuary in the South Atlantic was defeated.

Brazil has vowed to continue seeking support for the South Atlantic whale sanctuary, but other countries remain steadfastly opposed.

Pro-whaling nations have used their numbers to block a 28-year push to set up a massive whale sanctuary in the South Atlantic at the International Whaling Commission meeting in Hobart.

Yet, the 70th meeting of the commission adopted several new resolutions that animal welfare groups have applauded as major advancements in the protection of whales and other sea animals.

The International Whaling Commission (IWC) was set up 80 years ago, initially to regulate whaling, and 40 years ago, a moratorium on commercial whaling started.

Norway, Iceland and Japan continue to whale, despite the ban.

Copyright for this text belongs to ABC Australia.