The Environmental Monitoring Task Force (EMTF) was established at WGWAP-4 (see draft Terms of Reference). At that time, Dicks, Tsidulko, VanBlaricom (Chair) and Weller were identified as Panel members of the Task Force. Broker, Efrimov and Fadeev were identified as Task Force members from the Sakhalin Energy side.

At WGWAP-5, it was discussed and agreed in principle that the EMTF site visit would take place in late summer or autumn 2009, with specific objectives the same as those indicated above. The report from this visit was discussed at WGWAP-7.

Following a brief discussion at WGWAP-7, it was agreed that an EMTF workshop should be scheduled for sometime after WGWAP-8. Participants will include VanBlaricom (Chair), Broker, Dicks, Efremov, Fadeev, Tsidulko and Weller. The Panel suggested that scientists associated with Fadeev’s laboratory, as well as one or more scientists involved in the IWC Scientific Committee’s pollution investigations, may be appropriate additional participants.

The EMTF workshop will be held on 7-9 December 2011.