Marine Conservation and the Conflict over Whaling - August 1994

Marine Conservation and the Conflict over Whaling in Japan - August 1994

The whaling issue, particularly in countries like Japan and Norway, is often defended as a cultural practice. However, the primary purpose behind whaling is commercial, leading to significant conflict with marine conservation efforts. Japan's claim of traditional whaling primarily serves the demand for whale meat, resulting in the capture of species such as minke whales.

The conflict between whaling and marine conservation began in the 1970s when the International Whaling Commission (IWC) imposed a ban on commercial whaling due to the risk of whale extinction. Nonetheless, Japan and Norway have continued whaling under the pretext of cultural reasons or scientific research. Japan, in particular, conducts "research whaling," capturing many whales each year, but most of the caught whales are sold on the market, raising concerns.

A unique aspect of this situation is that Japan's whaling is increasingly seen as commercially driven rather than for cultural preservation. Minke whales, among other species under IWC protection discussions, are still being hunted, drawing international criticism. Furthermore, Japan's recent decision to withdraw from the IWC and continue whaling independently has raised significant concerns from a marine conservation perspective.

This development underscores the growing importance of international dialogue to balance sustainable marine conservation with whaling practices.