International Whaling Commission (IWC)

 IWC was set up under the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling for the proper conservation of whale stocks and thus make possible the orderly development of the whaling industry.

 An integral part of the Convention is legally binding Schedule which sets out specific measures.

 These measures include catch limits (which may be zero as it the case for commercial whaling) by species and area, designating specified areas as whale sanctuaries, protection of calves and females accompanied by calves, prescribe open and closed seasons and areas for whaling and restrictions on hunting methods.

 The Commission also co-ordinates and funds conservation work on many species of cetacean.

 In addition to research, this includes building an international entanglement response capacity, working to prevent ship strikes, and establishment of Conservation Management Plans for key species and populations.

 In 1982 the IWC adopted a moratorium on commercial whaling.

 Currently, Japan, Russia, and a number of other nations oppose this moratorium.

 The IWC allows non-zero whaling quotas for aboriginal subsistence and also member nations may issue 'Scientific Permits' to their citizens.

 In 1994, the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary was created by the IWC 88 members.

 Membership of the IWC is open to any country in the world.

 The IWC has no ability to enforce any of its decisions through penalty imposition.

 The headquarters of the IWC is in Impington, near Cambridge, England.

 India is a member of IWC.