Environment News

International Whaling Commission Meeting 2026

October 3 , 2026 13 hrs 0 min 17 0

India reaffirmed its commitment to science-based cetacean conservation at the 70th meeting of the International Whaling Commission (IWC-70) in Hobart, Australia.
The International Whaling Commission (IWC) was established under the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling, signed in Washington, D.C., on 2 December 1946.
IWC is the global body for the management of whaling and conservation of whales and currently has 89 member governments.
India has been an IWC member since 1981 and stressed scientific research, international cooperation and practical conservation measures.
Cetaceans in Indian waters receive the highest legal protection under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972; India also runs Project Dolphin and has Marine Protected Areas.
India has given special conservation attention to the Arabian Sea humpback whale, among 25 species identified for focused conservation efforts.