Whaling - Research Or Wholesale Slaughter?

Image by dryoptera via Flickr

By Robert M. Haskell

In the 19th century, whales were hunted nearly to extinction for their oil, blubber and meat. Driven by greed, man became their greatest predator. With the discovery of massive oil reserves in Texas and other parts of the world, a moratorium was placed on whaling until populations could recover. Despite an international treaty, some countries refuse to change their ways.

Although Japan claims to abide by the international treaty, they use "research" as an excuse for senseless slaughter. Conveniently, it is illegal in Japan to waste the meat obtained from such "research". This meat is sold in Japan as a delicacy for a hefty price. Despite international criticism, their politicians are more concerned about covering their own backs than going against voters.

With millions of dollars at stake, Japan uses every trick in the book to excuse their behavior. They refuse to recognize some protected waters and often downplay the number of catches they take in. Using loopholes in IWC (International Whaling Commission) legislation, Japan obtains permits for whaling under the ruse of "scientific research". What is this "research" directed towards?

Japan claims to be conducting experiments so they can prove the sustainability of whales so the moratorium can be lifted. Accused of bribing small countries for support to join their cause, Japan and its coalition have garnered enough votes to create a block and has actually proposed increasing their whaling quotas. Although only a small percentage of the Japanese public actually consumes whale meat (according to one recent survey), the rich and powerful within this country continue to bring shame to this nation as a whole.

Despite claims to only hunt sustainable whale species, DNA evidence of whale meat served in Japan shows that a variety of more threatened whales as well as dolphins often end up on the menu. As for their "research", this never appears in any respectable scientific journals and scientist are quick to point out that more legitimate studies could be conducted on living population samples. If pollution, over fishing by man, boating accidents and naval experiments haven't been devastating enough to whales, greed may someday bring an end to this magnificent species just as the inhabitants of Easter Island ultimately sealed their own fate by cutting down their last tree.

Robert Haskell is a contributing author and manager of consumer affairs for http://www.officesalesusa.com and http://www.worldatfocus.com/.

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