International Whaling Commission (“IWC”) is an intergovernmental organization that regulates whaling according to the terms of the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling.  The purpose of the convention is to provide for the proper conservation of whale stocks that results in the development of the whaling industry.

The main duty of the IWC is to review and revise the measures laid down in the Schedule to the Convention that governs the conduct of whaling throughout the world.  These measures provide the complete protection of certain species; designate specified areas as whale sanctuaries, set limits on the numbers and size of whales which may be captured, prescribe open and closed seasons and areas for whaling and prohibit capture of suckling calves and female whales accompanied by calves.

The compilation of catch reports and other statistical and biological records is also required.  The commission also encourages, co ordinates and funds whale research, publishes the results of scientific research and promotes studies into related matters such as the humaneness of the killing operations.