The International Whaling Commission (IWC)

Turkey prepared a law draft to participate in the “International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling” prepared by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the 24th of May, 2007, and relevant protocols. This law draft was presented again to the Presidency of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey on the 22nd of September, 2011. Turkey has started to work for the draft’s enactment. Our country presents its interest in distant seas and oceans once again and is involved in international cooperation.
Our participation in the convention is explained as a substantial indicator of Turkey placing great importance on the environmental issues. Moreover, it’s announced as Turkey showing awareness about whaling, interest to distant geographies and scientific cooperation.

Türkiye officially became a member of the International Whaling Commission (IWC) as of December 30, 2025. With this accession, the number of commission members rose to 89. Our foundation’s president attended the commission’s first Scientific Committee meeting in Slovenia in 2026, where he outlined our country’s objectives for participation in the commission.

The primary objectives of membership can be summarized as playing an active role in international efforts to protect whale stocks and marine mammals, and making efforts to protect marine mammals in the Black Sea and Mediterranean ecosystems.
By demonstrating our country’s interest in distant seas and oceans, it is essential to open avenues for international cooperation regarding the protection of these massive and magnificent animals. The goal is for Türkiye to demonstrate its sensitivity toward whaling, show interest in distant regions, and engage in scientific cooperation. Given that IWC members include landlocked or land-poor countries such as Monaco, Southern Cyprus, Mongolia, Slovenia, San Marino, Austria, and Bulgaria, it is increasingly important for our country to make its efforts in this area more visible.