International Whaling Commission (IWC)
| Column | Details |
|---|---|
| Introduction | – Established: 1946. – Mission: To provide for the proper conservation of whale stocks and thus make possible the orderly development of the whaling industry. – Scope: Oversees the regulation of whaling activities and addresses conservation issues affecting cetaceans globally. |
| Objectives | – Conservation: Ensure the conservation of whale populations through scientific research and management. – Regulation: Implement regulations on whaling activities, including catch limits and designated whaling areas. – Collaboration: Work with member countries and organizations to promote sustainable whaling practices and address emerging threats to cetaceans. |
| Members (Dec 2024) | – Total Members: 88 countries. – India’s Status: India has been a member since March 9, 1981, and has consistently advocated for whale conservation. (iwc.int) |
| Reports/Indices | – Scientific Committee Reports: Annual publications detailing scientific research and findings related to whale populations and conservation efforts. (iwc.int) – Conservation Committee Reports: Documents outlining conservation initiatives and management plans for various cetacean species. (iwc.int) – State of the Cetacean Environment Report (SOCER): Provides assessments of environmental factors impacting cetaceans. (iwc.int) |
| Instruments | – International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling (ICRW): The foundational treaty establishing the IWC and outlining its regulatory framework. – Schedule to the ICRW: Details specific measures such as catch limits, protected species, and designated whaling areas. – Rules of Procedure: Governs the operations and decision-making processes of the IWC. |
| Structure | – Commission: The principal decision-making body comprising representatives from all member countries. – Secretariat: Provides administrative support and facilitates the implementation of IWC decisions. – Scientific Committee: Conducts research and provides scientific advice on cetacean conservation and management. |
| Subsidiary Organs | – Conservation Committee: Focuses on the development and implementation of conservation initiatives. – Finance and Administration Committee: Manages financial and administrative matters of the IWC. |
| Committees | – Whale Killing Methods and Welfare Issues Working Group: Addresses humane killing techniques and welfare concerns. (archive.iwc.int) – Aboriginal Subsistence Whaling Sub-Committee: Oversees whaling activities conducted for indigenous subsistence purposes. |
| Initiatives | – Conservation Management Plans (CMPs): Strategic plans aimed at the recovery of specific whale populations, such as the Western Gray Whale and the South Atlantic Southern Right Whale. (iwc.int) – Bycatch Mitigation Initiative: Efforts to reduce the incidental capture of cetaceans in fishing operations. – Strandings Initiative: Provides guidance and support for responding to cetacean strandings globally. (archive.iwc.int) |
