International Whaling Commission (IWC-70)

Why in News?

Recently, India participated in the 70th meeting of the International Whaling Commission (IWC-70), held from 28 September–2 October 2026.

International Whaling Commission (IWC-70)

• Held in – Hobart, Australia.
• Conservation – India advocated for cetacean conservation by emphasizing the following priorities:
  • Science-based conservation,
  • Enhanced international cooperation, and
  • Implementation of practical measures to protect whales and other cetaceans.
• Meeting coincides with – 80^th anniversary of the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling (1946).

India’s Principal Position

• India advocates for conservation efforts grounded in scientific research and evidence.
• The country supports expanding scientific knowledge in the following areas:
  • Population status
  • Distribution
  • Movement patterns
  • Breeding ecology
  • Threats to cetaceans
• India calls for enhanced cooperation among the following stakeholders:
  • Range countries
  • Scientific institutions
  • Governments
  • International organisations
  • Local communities

Cetaceans

• Cetaceans are marine mammals classified within the order Cetacea, which encompasses whales, dolphins, and porpoises.
• Key Characteristics
  • Aquatic Life – They live entirely in water and have smooth, nearly hairless bodies, front flippers, and horizontal tail flukes.
  • Air Breathing – Although fully aquatic, cetaceans possess lungs and must periodically surface to breathe air through a blowhole.
  • Warm-blooded – As mammals, cetaceans give birth to live young and provide nourishment through lactation.

Conservation of Cetaceans in India

• Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 – Cetacean species inhabiting Indian waters are afforded the highest level of legal protection.
• Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) – Several MPAs have been established to safeguard marine biodiversity, including the following taxa:
  • Whales
  • Dolphins
  • Dugongs
  • Sharks
  • Rays
  • Turtles
  • Corals
• Project Dolphin – It was initiated by the Government of India.
• It adopts a holistic approach to the conservation of the following:
  • Dolphins
  • Whales
  • Porpoises
  • Associated aquatic ecosystems

Arabian Sea Humpback Whale has been identified as one of 25 species prioritized for targeted conservation initiatives.

Reference

DD India | International Whaling Commission (IWC-70)