Last week marked the end of a two-week meeting of the Scientific Committee of the International Whaling Commission (IWC), which took place in Bled, Slovenia. Held every two years, the meeting brings together around 150 leading international experts in biology, ecology and conservation of marine mammals and natural resources, and is regarded as one of the most important global events on whale and dolphin research and conservation.

Despite containing the word “whaling”, the work of the IWC today no longer focuses solely on issues related to whale hunting. Instead, the main focus is now on the research and conservation of whales and dolphins, as well as on finding solutions to modern threats faced by marine mammals worldwide — from underwater noise, entanglement in fishing gear and ship strikes to plastic pollution and the impacts of climate change. The Scientific Committee is the expert body that prepares scientific recommendations and advice for the International Whaling Commission. Among other things, it assesses the size and genetic diversity of cetacean populations worldwide and provides expert advice on the appropriateness of quotas for certain forms of whaling.

Dr. Tilen Genov from Morigenos also participated at the meeting, where he chaired the sub-committee on Environmental Concerns,which addresses chemical pollution, marine litter, diseases of whales and dolphins, underwater noise, climate change, habitat degradation, and responses to stranded cetaceans. The recommendations of the Scientific Committee will be discussed by the Commission at its regular meeting, which will take place in September 2026 in Hobart, Australia.

For Morigenos, participation in the work of the International Whaling Commission represents an important part of international cooperation and involvement in global discussions on the future of the oceans and the conservation of marine mammals.