International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling: Protecting Marine Resources
The International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling is a vital environmental agreement designed to balance two complex goals: the proper conservation of whale stocks and the orderly development of the whaling industry. By governing commercial, scientific, and aboriginal subsistence whaling, the convention seeks to manage how humanity interacts with these massive marine mammals.
![States-parties to the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling (in blue)[1]](/images/ad/cf/adcf2dd8a2eff1e3746ff4ad2990fa40f3ef9446bbe6f13a3b01d8f50b9a1f66.webp)
Historical Context and Evolution
The convention was born out of necessity following the overexploitation of whales after World War I. It serves as the successor to two earlier, less effective attempts at regulation: the 1931 Geneva Convention for Regulation of Whaling and the 1937 International Agreement for the Regulation of Whaling. While those previous instruments failed to curb hunting effectively, they provided the essential framework for the current convention.
Spearheaded by the United States, the convention was signed by 15 countries in Washington, D.C., on 3 December 1946. It officially took effect on 10 November 1948. To strengthen its impact, a protocol designed to broaden the scope of enforcement was later signed on 19 November 1956.
The Role of the International Whaling Commission
To implement its objectives, the convention established the International Whaling Commission (IWC). As the primary decision-making body, the IWC meets annually to adopt a binding "schedule." This schedule is the mechanism used to regulate catch limits, whaling methods, protected areas, and the specific rights regarding scientific research that involves the killing of whales.
Core Objectives
The IWC operates under three primary mandates:
- Protecting all whale species from the dangers of overhunting.
- Establishing an international regulatory system for whale fisheries to ensure both conservation and the sustainable development of stocks.
- Safeguarding whale stocks as important natural resources for future generations.
Membership and Global Participation
As of January 2021, there are 88 parties to the convention. The original signatories included a diverse group of nations such as Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Denmark, France, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Peru, South Africa, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Membership has seen significant shifts over the decades. While many nations have temporarily withdrawn and later rejoined—such as Brazil, Iceland, and the Netherlands—ten states have permanently withdrawn from the convention. These include Canada, Egypt, Greece, Guatemala, Jamaica, Japan, Mauritius, the Philippines, Seychelles, and Venezuela. Notably, Japan's withdrawal became effective in June 2019, allowing the nation to resume commercial whaling.
It is also important to note that while Norway remains a party to the convention, it maintains an objection to the 1986 global moratorium on whaling, meaning the moratorium does not apply to them.
Key Facts
- Effective Date: The convention took effect on 10 November 1948.
- Decision-Making Body: The International Whaling Commission (IWC) manages all binding regulations.
- Current Membership: 88 parties were recorded as of January 2021.
- Recent Major Withdrawal: Japan withdrew in June 2019 to resume commercial whaling.
- Regulatory Scope: The IWC regulates commercial, scientific, and aboriginal subsistence whaling.
Effectiveness and Ongoing Debates
The effectiveness of the convention is a subject of ongoing discussion. An analysis by the Carnegie Council described its success as "ambiguous," noting that while internal divisions exist, the convention has successfully managed the transition from open, unregulated hunting to highly restricted hunting. It has effectively limited whaling to only the most highly motivated countries.
One of the primary points of contention is the legal definition of a "whale." Because the 1946 Convention does not explicitly define the term, disagreement persists regarding jurisdiction. Some members argue the IWC should only regulate great whales (baleen whales and the sperm whale), while others contend that all cetaceans—the biological group including dolphins and porpoises—fall under its authority.
Summary of Convention Status
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary Goal | Conservation of whale stocks and orderly development of whaling. |
| Main Body | International Whaling Commission (IWC). |
| Total Parties | 88 (as of January 2021). |
| Types of Whaling Regulated | Commercial, scientific, and aboriginal subsistence. |
| Key Legal Dispute | Whether jurisdiction covers all cetaceans or only great whales. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main purpose of the International Whaling Commission?
The IWC is the decision-making body established by the convention to regulate whale fisheries, ensure the conservation of whale stocks, and manage the development of the whaling industry through binding schedules.
Why did Japan withdraw from the convention?
Japan withdrew from the convention in June 2019 for the purpose of resuming commercial whaling activities.
Does the convention cover all marine mammals?
There is a legal disagreement regarding this. Some members believe the IWC's jurisdiction extends to all cetaceans (including dolphins and porpoises), while others believe it only applies to great whales like baleen and sperm whales.
What is the difference between the convention and the IWC?
The International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling is the international environmental agreement itself, while the International Whaling Commission (IWC) is the organization created by that agreement to implement its rules and objectives.
Has any country ever left and then rejoined the convention?
Yes, several countries including Brazil, Iceland, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, and Uruguay have withdrawn temporarily and later rejoined. The Netherlands has even rejoined a third time after two previous withdrawals.