The International Whaling Commission

(IWC) was set

up under the International Convention for the Regulation

of Whaling which was signed in Washington DC on 2nd December

1946 (Click HERE to view

full text). The purpose of the Convention is to provide

for the proper conservation of whale stocks and thus

make possible the orderly development of the whaling

industry.

The main duty of the IWC is to keep under review

and revise as necessary the measures laid down in the

Schedule to the Convention which govern the conduct

of whaling throughout the world (Click

HERE to view the full text). These measures, among

other things, provide for the complete protection of

certain species; designate specified areas as whale

sanctuaries; set limits on the numbers and size of whales

which may be taken; prescribe open and closed seasons

and areas for whaling; and prohibit the capture of suckling

calves and female whales accompanied by calves. The

compilation of catch reports and other statistical and

biological records is also required.

In addition, the Commission encourages, co-ordinates

and funds whale research, publishes the results of scientific

research and promotes studies into related matters such

as the humaneness of the killing operations.