The International Ban on Commercial Whaling at 40

Four decades of protecting whales, dolphins and porpoises under the International Whaling Commission

A personal reflection by EIA co-founder Jennifer Lonsdale

This year the 80-year-old International Whaling Commission (IWC) celebrates the 40th anniversary of the implementation of one of the world’s most important conservation and welfare decisions. The international ban on commercial whaling, commonly known as the moratorium, was adopted in 1982 and implemented in 1986.