Time to Shut Down the International Whaling Commission? Former Head Says Yes

A group of scientists, including the former head of the International Whaling Commission (IWC), has called for the organization’s dissolution, arguing that it has become obsolete and no longer serves its purpose. They believe that the IWC has outlived its usefulness, particularly given the recovery of whale populations since the moratorium on whaling in 1985-86. They propose handing over remaining responsibilities to other existing international agreements and national governments. The scientists contend that the IWC’s continued existence consumes resources and time without meaningful impact. They cite the Montreal Protocol, which successfully tackled ozone depletion, as an example of a successful international agreement that achieved its goals and was subsequently disbanded. They believe the IWC could follow a similar path, allowing its remaining tasks to be managed by other organizations.