India reiterated its commitment to science-based conservation of cetaceans at the 70th meeting of the International Whaling Commission (IWC-70) in Hobart, Australia. The IWC was set up under the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling, signed in Washington, D.C., on 2 December 1946, and now has 89 member governments. A member since 1981, India stressed research, international cooperation and practical conservation. Cetaceans in Indian waters enjoy the highest protection under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, and India runs Project Dolphin, with special focus on the Arabian Sea humpback whale.