India Backs Science-Based Cetacean Conservation at 70th International Whaling Commission Meeting in Hobart

Key facts

• India reaffirmed its commitment to whale and cetacean conservation in its Opening Statement at the 70th meeting of the International Whaling Commission (IWC-70), held in Hobart, Australia from September 28 to October 2.
• IWC-70 coincides with the 80th anniversary of the signing of the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling, signed in Washington, D.C., under which the International Whaling Commission was established.
• The International Whaling Commission has 89 member governments, and India has been a member since 1981.
• Cetaceans in Indian waters receive the highest level of legal protection under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and Marine Protected Areas have been notified to protect marine biodiversity including whales, dolphins, dugongs, sharks, rays, turtles and corals.
• The Government of India has initiated Project Dolphin, a holistic programme for conserving dolphins, whales, porpoises and associated aquatic ecosystems.
• India attaches particular importance to conserving the Arabian Sea humpback whale, identified among 25 species for focused conservation efforts.