Whale Wars

Abbi Olson

2/5/12

While the practice of hunting whales for food has been around for hundreds of years, it wasn’t until the 17^th century that hunting whales became an industry.  It was at this time that the demand for whale products, such as blubber for oil, bones and food, increased.  Because of this increase in demand some whales, for example the blue whale, have almost been hunted to extinction.  Though many restrictions have since been placed on whaling by organizations such as CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species), some countries refuse to stop these commercial whaling practices and whale numbers continue to decline.  Countries like Japan and Norway often claim that their hunts are contributing to “scientific research”.  However, there are some Inuit and other native tribes that still reserve the right to hunt whales as a part of their traditions and way of life.

I disagree with industrialized whaling practices.  There are now many cheap and accessible alternatives to whale by-products so I think the killing of whales for such resources is unnecessary.  There are also many other food options that don’t involve the slaughtering of whales.  According to the basic Eltonian pyramid theory, the larger the animal is the less of them there are.  This holds true for whales.  Why would people want to deplete a dwindling and unnecessary resource when it isn’t vital to our existence?  Unfortunately, money is often a large motivating factor in many arguably “unethical” practices.  Whalers claim that whaling is good because it provides food and jobs for people.  I can understand that but I still think that the negative impacts outweigh the benefits. 

The methods by which the whales are harvested are also very inhumane and unethical.  Explosive harpoons are used to impale the whale and then explode inside of them.  It often takes hours for the whale to die.  I don’t know about you, but I think that is sick and that this information alone should be enough for any person with a conscience to forbid this practice. 

While I disagree with whaling for a profit, there are some native tribes throughout the world that still rely on whaling as an essential way of life.  The difference is that the whales killed by these tribes are not taken for granted and they never take more than they need.  Every piece of the whale is used and in some cases special ceremonies are performed to give thanks and appreciation to their kill.  I can respect these rituals because to them it is a centuries old way of life.  These tribes are not exploiting a resource for their own benefit; they are utilizing a resource for their survival. 

Is the extinction of such a magnificent animal really worth the materialistic benefits that they provide to our acquisitive society?

Sources:

http://www.ypte.org.uk/environmental/whales-saving-the-whales/100