About the Effects of Whaling

Whaling has taken a serious toll on whale populations since the development of modern commercial hunting methods in the 1800s. Traditional, subsistence whale hunting has a long history in some cultures, so a few countries and aboriginal groups still hunt whales despite a ban on commercial whaling and dangerously low numbers of the aquatic mammals. Hunting also threatens whales because it augments environmental stress factors, making it harder for endangered species to recover.

History of

Humans have been hunting whales for food, fuel and other uses for at least 8,000 years. In modern times, whaling has pushed some species of whales to endangered or threatened status. Many countries stopped all commercial whaling in agreement with the International Whaling Commission's (IWC) 1982 moratorium, which finally came into effect in 1986. But some countries, such as Japan and Norway, object to the moratorium and continue to hunt whales--whether for commercial purposes or for scientific research. Additionally, some cultures are permitted by the IWC to continue subsistence whaling.

Time Frame

Whaling has been conducted by many seafaring cultures throughout history. But traditional methods of hunting, such as in small boats with spears, focused on catching only enough whales to provide for the needs of relatively small groups. In the 1800s, however, new methods and tools allowed for catching greater numbers of whales. At the same time, an increased worldwide demand for whale products led to excessive hunting. The IWC was formed in 1946 after many activists, scientists and others expressed alarm over the serious depletion of nearly all whale populations as a direct result of modern whaling. The IWC issued a moratorium on commercial whaling in 1982, but hunting still continues.

Effects

Many of the thirteen "great whale" species are endangered or seriously threatened by whaling. Whale species that are endangered due to hunting include the gray, blue and right whales. Species facing less risk of extinction from whaling include sperm and humpback whales. Modern whaling methods employ large boats and explosion-fired harpoons, so more whales can be caught than in the past. Besides over-exploitation, whale populations have been diminished by pollution.

Benefits

Countries and groups that continue to hunt whales, legally or against the IWC ban on commercial whaling, argue for several benefits to humans from whales. Whales have provided many products for human use throughout time, including oil for lamps and other fuels, ambergris for perfumes and meat for consumption. Pro-whaling advocates also point to employment as an important benefit of whaling. One other benefit they claim is that continuing to hunt whales helps to preserve a part of their culture, which would be lost if it were discontinued.

Significance

Large-scale commercial whaling has a significant impact on most whale species and poses a risk to those species that are currently endangered. But because it is an important tradition in many different cultures, whaling continues despite opposition to it.

Resources

• International Whaling Commission