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The Voluntary Fund for Aboriginal Subsistence Whaling (ASW) was established by the Commission at its meeting in 2012. The aim of the fund is to assist subsistence hunts in achieving compliance with IWC measures. These measures span a range of issues including hunter safety, reporting processes and weapons improvement programmes which reduce animal suffering and increase efficiency during these hunts.

To date, generous contributions have enabled a wide variety of experts and stakeholders to attend two meetings which developed proposals to improve Commission processes for handling ASW.  These proposals were endorsed at the 2018 Commission meeting and you can read the relevant workshop report here.  

Funds have also been donated to support the hunters’ initiatives to improve the welfare aspects of their hunts.  Quicker and more efficient whale killing methods mean the death of the whale is as humane as possible, and also improves safety for the hunters on the water.

Contributions to the fund can be made by member governments, other inter-governmental organisations and other organisations with an interest in Aboriginal Subsistence Whaling. Third party donations are subject to the Commission’s Acceptance of Funds policy. Transparency is also important and all member governments and observers are notified when a contribution is received.

If you are interested in donating to the Voluntary Fund for Aboriginal Subsistence Whaling please refer to the Guidelines on Acceptance of Funds and contact the IWC at secretariat@iwc.int.

  • To view the Guidelines for the Aboriginal Subsistence Whaling fund click here.
  • For more information on Aboriginal Subsistence Whaling click here.