Mongabay · Climate & nature

IWC Rejects Commercial Whaling Revival

The International Whaling Commission (IWC) rejected a proposal to revive commercial whaling and failed to establish a South Atlantic Whale Sanctuary. Resolutions on strandings, fish maw trade, and vessel strikes were approved.

A resolution by Antigua and Barbuda, aiming to discuss "sustainable use of whale resources," was withdrawn, preserving the 40-year whaling moratorium.

The proposed South Atlantic Whale Sanctuary, which would cover 21 million sq km, failed to pass, as it has previously.

Observers criticized the IWC for not prioritizing climate change, a major threat to cetaceans, with a 2023 study finding 26% of assessed species threatened.

Commercial whaling continues in Norway, Iceland, and Japan, though Iceland plans to ban it by 2027.

Concerns were raised about the influence of nations receiving aid from Japan on IWC decisions.

The IWC's 80th anniversary was marked by the "Hobart Declaration."

Despite threats, the whaling moratorium has aided whale recovery, though other dangers persist.

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