The International Agreement for the Regulation of Whaling was signed in 1937 in Washington D.C. by 15 countries with the aim of protecting whale populations from over-hunting and ensuring the sustainable use of these resources. The agreement established the International Whaling Commission (IWC), which is responsible for enforcing these regulations and monitoring whaling activities worldwide.
The agreement, which entered into force in 1948, outlined a set of regulations that set catch limits for commercial whaling and prohibited the hunting of certain species. It also established a system for scientific research on whales to better understand their biology and support conservation efforts.
Over the years, the IWC has periodically revised its rules and regulations to reflect new scientific findings and changing attitudes towards whaling. In 1986, the commission imposed a moratorium on commercial whaling, which effectively banned the practice for many countries. However, some countries, including Japan, Norway, and Iceland, still engage in commercial whaling today, citing cultural and scientific reasons.
Despite the efforts of the IWC, many whale populations remain endangered due to habitat loss, pollution, and other threats. Some species have recovered, such as the humpback whales in the North Atlantic, but others continue to decline. Some conservationists argue that the IWC needs to take stronger action to protect whales and enforce regulations that prevent over-hunting.
In conclusion, the International Agreement for the Regulation of Whaling was a landmark agreement that established the first comprehensive system for regulating the hunting of whales. While the efforts of the IWC have helped to protect many whale populations, there is still much work to be done to ensure the sustainable use of these resources and protect them for future generations.