IWC's moratorium on commercial whaling

The International Whaling Commission (IWC) established a moratorium on commercial whaling in 1986, effectively banning the practice of hunting whales for profit worldwide. This decision was made to protect whale populations from overexploitation and ensure their long-term survival, as some species had become critically endangered. While it allows for scientific research and indigenous subsistence hunts under strict regulations, the general commercial harvesting of whales is prohibited. The moratorium has thus been a key effort in marine conservation, encouraging member countries to prioritize whale protection and promote sustainable practices in ocean ecosystems.