 The IWC has designated two whale sanctuaries : the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary , and the Indian Ocean Whale Sanctuary . The Southern Ocean whale sanctuary spans 30 @,@ 560 @,@ 860 square kilometres ( 11 @,@ 799 @,@ 610 sq mi ) and envelopes Antarctica . The Indian Ocean whale sanctuary takes up all of the Indian Ocean south of 55 ° S. The IWC is a voluntary organization , with no treaty . Any nation may leave as they wish ; the IWC cannot enforce any law it makes . 
