The UK has led efforts to recruit more conservation-minded countries to the International Whaling Commission (IWC) through our publication “Protecting Whales—A Global Responsibility” (endorsed by the Prime Minister and Sir David Attenborough), which has already been sent to over 60 countries urging nations to protect these species worldwide.
It will be sent to any countries that have recently, or could potentially, join before the 61st meeting of the IWC (IWC61) in Portugal. There is no need to update the publication at this time.
The UK has also recently circulated a document to members of the IWC entitled “The International Whaling Commission—the way forward”. This document encourages countries participating in the current discussions over the future of the Commission, to ensure the conservation of cetaceans remains the highest priority.
Along with colleagues in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, DEFRA will continue to engage in discussions with our counterparts on whaling at every appropriate opportunity.