Ongoing research, by social scientists, legal scholars, historians, archeologists, and various writers and commentators, continues to appear in scattered dissertations, journal articles and in books, as well as on webpages and at conferences and symposia.

The idea for an International Network for Whaling Research was first discussed at a conference on Whaling Societies in the North Atlantic, held at Aarhus University, Denmark, in January 1990. At that time, it was suggested that annual conferences should be held and other timely and useful information exchanges among whaling researchers be encouraged through publication of a newsletter.

The first issue of INWR Digest appeared in October 1992, and was preceded by two INWR conferences held in Winnipeg, Canada (1991) and Washington DC (1992). Later, conferences were convened in 1994 (Halifax, Canada), 1995 (Bodø, Norway) and 1996 (Berkeley, USA). Two workshops were convened in 1992: at Lake Tahoe, USA, and Quebec City, Canada. Since that time other organizations have variously convened whaling conferences and symposia, so that INWR conferences are not currently being organized.

The purpose of the network is to keep members informed about others' research activities, to provide notice of publications and upcoming conferences and workshops, to promote publication of research on whaling societies, and to provide a means by which those active in this research field can solicit and facilitate research cooperation with others having similar interests.

It is anticipated the INWR webpage will further contribute to the exchange of research and information, and be a useful resource for students, librarians, journalists and the interested public. Specifically in addition to providing electronic access to information contained in past issues of INWR Digest, the website provides links to other sites carrying whaling research material, as well as being a medium for researchers to post pre-publication communications.