Commercial whaling (killing whales for profit) has been banned globally since 1986 by the International Whaling Commission (IWC). Antigua and Barbuda joined the IWC in 1982 and voted for the commercial whaling ban.

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However, since 1994, Antigua and Barbuda’s representatives to the IWC have been vocal supporters of proposals to resume commercial whaling and have opposed whale conservation measures such as the establishment of whale sanctuaries. This is despite having no whaling tradition of our own, no practice of eating whale meat and strong domestic laws protecting whales. Our pro-whaling position is a result of close diplomatic and financial ties to Japan, one of the last three remaining commercial whaling nations.

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At the last two recent IWC meetings, Antigua and Barbuda has submitted proposals to create a pathway for the return of commercial whaling. Both times, these have been withdrawn, but Antigua and Barbuda has submitted the proposal again to the 70th meeting of the IWC to be held in Australia in late September, 2026. This is not who we are!

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A recent opinion poll shows that a majority of Antiguan and Barbudans oppose commercial whaling and are not aware that their government supports it. They are concerned about the impact this support could have on our international reputation and tourism industry.

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Given these risks, the Coalition believes that our country’s position on commercial whaling and whale conservation should reflect the views of our people, not be dictated by a foreign government: Antigua and Barbuda should be a voice for whale protection, not whale killing.

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Stand with five prominent Antiguan citizens to show our love for whales: Watch their public messages and sign our petition calling on the Prime Minister to oppose commercial whaling.