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Japan and Commercial Whaling

by Adam Zhou | 01-01-2019 11:34 recommendations 0

Though with a new year comes many resolutions, one current event is not the case. Japan has chosen to leave the International Whaling Commission (IWC), and as a result, commercial whalers who build a livelihood on such will be able to resume their activities. This is the first time in over 30 years that this has happened and even goes against what was written in the 1986 international moratorium on hunting endangered species.

Once again the idea of culture versus the environment is brought up where whale meat is a delicacy. Blue whales, fin whales and sei whales are especially vulnerable. Technological advancements in fisheries, along with the large population's consumption means that within a short amount of time, this endangered species will just suddenly go extinct. However, when this is related to the Tragedy of the Commons, where many individuals quarrel over the same limited amount of resources, within a short amount of time, none can benefit since they'll all be gone. Therefore, environmental sustainability must take the forefront. The tradition of hunting marine mammals is not something new, but rather something that existed for centuries. Resorting to more populated species should not be a problem. 

Iceland and Norway, which have also pulled out from the IWC, have seen drastic changes in the population. Icelandic fisherman, for instance, have set a target of 191 kills for one season alone, which means that in the future, there might not even be any left. 

If this implementation is set to still take place, it is important to set forth regulations and legislations to hinder the amount. In campaigns led by organisations or just even the public in general, pressure can be placed so that this will become a reality. Even small acts such as not partaking in the purchasing or consumption of whale meat will be enough, due to the process of supply and demand. 
 
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3 Comments

Kushal Naharki

  • Kushal Naharki says :
    Sad to hear about the decision taken by Japan and few other countries about leaving International Whaling Commission (IWC). It is the responsibility of every nation to act to preserve the environment and biodiversity. If we don't take correct decision today, in future we will only have time to regret.

    Thank you for the report @Adam. As you said, it is necessary for the consumers to be aware and not consume the meat of those animals.
    Posted 01-01-2019 21:39

  • Deepak Subedi says :
    Hello, Adam Zhou
    Namaste from Nepal, Country of Mt Everest

    I wish for your healthy body, peace mind and happy face in coming days, I wish you always can serve for this beautiful earth,
    Happy New Year 2019,
    In this Year
    Donate Red (Blood)
    Spread Green (Plants)
    Save Blue (Water)

    Thank You so much for your report about commercial whaling in Japan, whale are really beautiful and rare species it should not be killed,
    Keep writing :)
    Posted 01-01-2019 15:47

  • Adam Zhou says :
    Image credits here: https://www.rt.com/news/447403-japan-resumes-commercial-whaling/?fbclid=IwAR2gFerhVN1ZuFUMoCTyBi5J2XDasb__rkouXT_AOynLCq0bTdScVJxPYpg
    Posted 01-01-2019 11:34

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