International Whaling Commission Adopted Hobart Declaration
The 70th Biennial Meeting concluded in Australia, marking the organization's 80th anniversary with new leadership.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Organic Food
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The International Whaling Commission adopted the Hobart Declaration and a new Code of Conduct during its 70th Biennial Meeting. The event, held in Hobart, Australia, concluded with the election of Dr. Urbain T.A.S. Brito as Chair.
Why it matters
The meeting gathered representatives from 65 countries to set operational and policy standards for the organization. These actions establish the regulatory framework and leadership direction for the commission's next two-year cycle.
The meeting hosted 65 countries and marked the 80th anniversary of the commission. Members approved a three percent budget increase for the 2027-2028 period.
The players
Dr. Urbain T.A.S. Brito
He is the newly elected Chair of the International Whaling Commission who will serve a two-year term.
Anne-Marie Svoboda
She was elected as the Vice-Chair of the International Whaling Commission during the Hobart meeting.
International Whaling Commission
This is an international body established 80 years ago to manage global whale stocks and conservation efforts.
The details
During the six-day session, the commission reached consensus on a new Code of Conduct while simultaneously rejecting a long-standing proposal to create a whale sanctuary in the South Atlantic. The budget vote settled on a three percent increase, despite some nations advocating for a 4.5 percent rise.
Timeline
September 27 to October 2, 2026: The IWC 70th Biennial Meeting took place.
1998: The South Atlantic whale sanctuary proposal was first introduced.
April 2025: The Abidjan Declaration was adopted.
2027-2028: The budget period for the approved three percent increase.
Culture Shift
The adoption of the Hobart Declaration follows the policy framework established by the 2025 Abidjan Declaration. This represents a continuation of the commission's efforts to standardize international maritime conservation policies.
The adoption of a new Code of Conduct and leadership changes may influence future international regulations on maritime resource management. Readers interested in environmental policy may see shifts in how global conservation standards are applied to international waters.
The takeaway
The commission's consensus on the Hobart Declaration highlights the ongoing effort to unify international policy on whale conservation. Participants now look toward the next two-year term under new leadership to implement the newly approved budget and code.
Further reading
For broader context on international conservation agreements, visit Organic Food.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Blueprint Newspapers Limited.
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