International Whale Conservation and Protection Act of 2009

H.R. 2455, the International Whale Conservation and Protection Act of 2009, seeks to strengthen the United States' commitment to protecting whale populations globally by reinforcing the existing moratorium on commercial whaling. The bill directs federal agencies to oppose any international agreements that would allow for commercial or "scientific" whaling while continuing to support traditional subsistence whaling by indigenous groups.

For the public, this legislation focuses on reducing human-driven threats to marine life by establishing new guidelines for commercial shipping to minimize underwater noise and prevent ship strikes. It also promotes the creation of international marine protected areas and requires the government to work with other nations to end the international trade of whale meat and products.