Founded in 1946, the International Whaling Commission (IWC) was established by 15 nations to regulate whaling and manage whale stocks globally. This initiative arose in response to the declining whale populations due to overhunting. The IWC's formation marked a significant step towards international cooperation in wildlife conservation and the sustainable management of marine resources.

The founding of the International Whaling Commission initiated a global discourse on conservation, influencing poets like Gary Snyder to write about biodiversity and environmental ethics. This movement inspired poetry that advocates for the protection of marine life.