IWC Rejects Proposal To End Commercial Whaling Ban, Strengthens Protection For Whales

The International Whaling Commission (IWC) reaffirmed the four-decade-old commercial whaling moratorium at its recent annual meeting in Lima, Peru.

It rejected a controversial proposal to lift the ban from pro-whaling countries in West and Central Africa, along with Antigua and Barbuda.

Instead, the European Union passed a resolution to strengthen the existing moratorium, showing a continuous commitment to whale protection.

In 1986, the IWC established a global ban on commercial whaling to save various great whale species from extinction due to rampant illegal whaling.

Despite the ban, Iceland, Japan, and Norway continue commercial whaling under a specific provision that allows it for scientific research. For instance, Norway reported that it captured and killed 414 whales during the 2024 whaling season, which ended on September 19.

Marine experts and environmental campaign groups praised the IWC’s decision to strengthen the moratorium and urged whaling nations to adhere to international rules.

Nicolas Entrup, Director of International Relations at the NGO OceanCare, stated that most states in the IWC want to ban commercial whaling and mentioned Iceland’s unexpected abstention as a positive sign of change.

However, the IWC did not approve a proposal to establish a South Atlantic whale sanctuary, which had been under review since 1999.

Despite receiving support from 40 countries, the plan fell short of the three-quarters majority for adoption, with 14 voting against it and three abstaining.

The IWC’s 69th meeting saw major progress, with 65 member countries adopting measures related to conservation, procedural and scientific issues.

The IWC used a new process to extend Indigenous communities’ hunting quotas for six years, commencing in 2026. This approach provides more accuracy and security for subsistence whaling, essential for communities that rely on these hunts for cultural and nutritional needs.

The catch limits remain unchanged from previous levels and are consistent with the IWC’s Scientific Committee’s recommendations, verifying the hunts’ sustainability.

Ryan Wulff, the United States Commissioner to the IWC, expressed relief with the agreement to extend the subsistence whaling limits. He talked about its relevance for Alaska Natives and the Makah Tribe and praised the new automatic extension process as an important move toward predictability in these communities.

The Commission also agreed to strengthen cooperation with international organizations and form a Science Liaison Group to improve communication between the Commission and its Scientific Committee.

Several new conservation management plans were approved, including one for Central American humpback whales, which benefited from contributions from US scientists and collaborators in Central America.

Dr. David Matilla, a former NOAA scientist, received recognition for his major contributions to the IWC Global Whale Entanglement Response Network, which has trained over 1,850 people in 42 countries since its start in 2013.

The IWC also reviewed new work plans for its Conservation and scientific committees, focusing on reducing the impact of marine debris and climate change on whales and dolphins.

For the first time, women will chair and vice-chair the IWC Scientific Committee, with Dr. Lindsay Porter of the United Kingdom serving as chair and Dr. Aimée Lang of the United States as vice-chair. This milestone demonstrates the Commission’s commitment to inclusive leadership in whale conservation efforts.

During the meeting, the Commissioner for Benin proposed a commitment to uphold decision-making processes and delegates’ rights to vote on behalf of their respective countries.

The outgoing Chair, Amadou Telivel Diallo, was recognized for his major efforts, and the new Vice-Chair, Dr. Urbain Brito of Benin, was warmly welcomed.

Dr. Nick Gales, the IWC’s new Chair, praised the organization’s effectiveness and resilience, particularly in the renewal of aboriginal whaling quotas. He praised the respectful and constructive interactions during the meetings, highlighting the value of patience and perseverance in finding common ground on complicated matters.

Reference: IWC, NOAA Fisheries

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