Whale Conservation and the International Whaling Commission

Secretary of the International Whaling Commission, Dr. Rebecca Lent spoke with Sci on the Fly about the history and evolution of the International Whaling Commission (IWC) – one of the oldest international marine conservation treaty organizations and one of the first to be advised by science. The organization has gone from a body of whaling nations trying to maximize their catches to one that is tackling climate change, pollution, fisheries by-catch, underwater noise, ship strikes, unsustainable whale-watching and other international threats to whales and dolphins. As noted, it was one of the first international treaty organizations to be based on science, and today the Scientific Committee meetings of the IWC are where cutting edge whale and dolphins science is used to inform international whale management and conservation policy. This podcast does not necessarily reflect the views of AAAS, its Council, Board of Directors, officers, or members. AAAS is not responsible for the accuracy of this material. AAAS has made this material available as a public service, but this does not constitute endorsement by the association.