Whale Catch Individual Records

This record contains the metadata (XML format) describing the dataset containing individual whale catch records compiled and maintained by the Secretariat International Whaling Commission (IWC). The dataset integrates historical data collected by the Bureau of International Whaling Statistics (BIWS, 1930–1986) and subsequent records assembled by the Secretariat's Statistics and Modelling Team. Each record represents an individual whale captured during commercial whaling operations and includes biological and operational information such as date and location of capture, species, sex, length, reproductive status, and vessel or expedition details. The data are available in 2 formats: CSV files and text files. Example files and full descriptions of the respective format are attached here. Also attached is a summary of known caveats for length measurements in whale catch data. The dataset spans the mid-20th century to the present and represents one of the most comprehensive compilations of individual whale catch records available. It supports research on whale biology, population structure, and historical whaling practices. The database is the result of long-term data collation, validation, and standardisation efforts by the IWC, incorporating multiple historical and contemporary data sources. Access to the full dataset is subject to restrictions. Please fill out the form on the IWC website to request access to the data. Please contact the IWC Secretariat ([e-mail]) for any further questions. Provided files cover the following: Metadata: whale_catch_individual_records.xml: metadata (XML format) describing the dataset containing individual whale catch records compiled Detailed data descriptions: technical note describing the format of the IWC coding of catch data in details IWCIndividualCatchData_Yearfile_Description.pdf: Description of yearfiles summarizing catches reported in a given year. IWCIndividualCatchData_CSVFormat_Description.pdf: Description of catches for specific geographical area in CSV format Exemplary individual catch data NP_pseudodata.V00: Example of a "yearfile" summarizing catches reported in a given year. NP_pseudodata.csv: Example of a CSV file summarizing catches for specific geographical area pseudodata_in_Excel: an example of data with column names and short descriptions of the columns for quick reference.