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.
Participation in the International Whaling Commission (IWC) is important for our country and will be beneficial in terms of knowledge for participation in the Agreement on the Conservation of Cetaceans of the Black Sea, the Mediterranean Sea and contiguous Atlantic area (ACCOBAMS).

IWC Members (Source: Wikimedia Commons)