Contacting the IWC Secretariat

Members of the public

The IWC has a small Secretariat.  Its function is to administer the Commission and implement its programme of management, research and conservation. Unfortunately, the Secretariat has very limited resources for handling public correspondence.

For this reason, we work hard to ensure that the information on our website is comprehensive and up-to-date.  In addition to our regular website pages, we have compiled some frequently asked questions and current topics of interest.  Please make use of these information sources. 

FAQ's:

• Can I access IWC documents and archives?

• IWC publications, reports and other documents are available online via this webpage

• I am very interested in cetaceans. How can I join the IWC Secretariat?

• Thank you for your interest in the IWC.  The Secretariat is small and vacancies do not arise often.  For this reason we do not encourage people to send speculative applications or CVs.  When vacancies do arise, they are posted on the front page of this website. For information on careers in marine mammal science, try looking at the website of the Society for Marine Mammalogy (http://www.marinemammalscience.org). 

• Can I apply for an internship/undertake voluntary work with the IWC?

• Whilst your interest in the IWC is welcome, we are a small Secretariat and unfortunately unable to facilitate internships or voluntary placements. 

• I am currently studying whales and whaling. Can I send you questions or conduct an interview?

• We are always delighted to hear that students are interested in the IWC, but limited resources mean we are unable to assist on an individual basis.  For this reason, we work hard to ensure that the information on our website is comprehensive and up-to-date. 

• I want to express my opinions on a cetacean hunt and I would like to know why the IWC allows this to happen.

• The IWC Secretariat does not determine the policies of the IWC or its member nations.  This is done by the 88 member governments who agree policy by consensus or vote at biennial meetings.  To voice your opinion effectively, you should contact either your country’s IWC Commissioner, or the Commissioner of the country conducting the hunt. The IWC manages large whale hunting by its members. Small cetacean hunts are the responsibility of individual governments.  

• How do I contact an IWC Commissioner?

• How to report a ShipStrike (collision with a vessel)?

• Each member government has provided contact details with their preferred method of contact for members of the public and this information can be downloaded here.

Commissioners, delegates, scientists, observers

If you are working on behalf or in conjunction with the IWC, the information below may help you to direct your enquiry.

via Mail or Phone:

International Whaling Commission
The Red House,
135 Station Road,
Impington,
Cambridge,
CB24 9NP, UK
Tel:  +44 (0) 1223 233 971

For editorial correspondence regarding the JCRM: click here