International Whaling Commission

The International Whaling Commission (IWC) is a global organization established to provide for the proper conservation of whale stocks and thus make possible the orderly development of the whaling industry. While historically focused on regulating commercial whaling, its mandate has expanded to include whale conservation and welfare. The IWC is currently newsworthy due to emerging threats to whale populations. Scientists have warned of increased risks of ship strikes for whales off South Africa's coast, a consequence of shipping routes being diverted around the Cape of Good Hope since 2023 due to conflicts in the Middle East. This rerouting has significantly heightened the potential for fatal collisions. Concurrently, recent events such as the complex rescue operation of a stranded humpback whale in German waters highlight ongoing efforts and challenges in marine mammal conservation. These developments underscore the IWC's continued relevance in addressing both historical whaling issues and contemporary threats to whale populations, including habitat disruption and human-induced dangers.