The International Whaling Commission (IWC)

The full list of member countries can be found on the IWC website.

The IWC does allow observers to attend most of its meetings. These observers can be made up of countries that are not members of the IWC, the press and non-governmental organisations and charities such as WDC.

When does the International Whaling Commission meet?

Until 2012, the full IWC met annually, but since 2012 it meets every two years. Its subcommittees and working groups can meet more regularly as required.

How does the Commission work?

The Commission has four main committees - Scientific, Technical, Finance and Administration and its most recent committee, the Conservation Committee which was created in 2004.

There are also Commission subcommittees that deal with aboriginal subsistence whaling, infractions (breaking of regulations) and other ad hoc working groups to deal with a wide range of issues.

What is the scientific committee?

The Scientific Committee comprises around 200 whale biologists and scientists, many of whom are nominated by member governments. For example, the pro-whaling countries tend to send large delegations of government sponsored scientists to put forward their government's position.

In recent years the Scientific Committee has invited other scientists to supplement its expertise in various areas. The work of the Scientific Committee is largely determined by the scientific needs of the Commission. The pro-whaling interests regularly attempt to narrow this down to only delivering recommendations on whaling quotas, but the wider pro-conservation membership often seeks to ensure that the Scientific Committee is looking at issues that affect the conservation and protection of whales and dolphins.

For example, whilst Iceland, Japan, Norway and their allies claim that the IWC has no competency to discuss small whales and dolphins, the IWC Scientific Committee has been able to do some remarkably useful work in this area.