Convention on the marine environment

The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea

UNCLOS specifically mentions cetaceans and provides that States have an obligation to cooperate in the conservation of cetaceans with relevant international organisations (e.g.: the IWC). States may also adopt more stringent measures than those imposed by UNCLOS for fishing (i.e. the optimal use of resources). The legal regime of UNCLOS specific to cetaceans applies to exclusive economic zones and to the high seas.

Other agreements

Other agreements on marine pollution (MARPOL) or the protection of the North-East Atlantic (OSPAR) also address the protection of the cetaceans.