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With several species of whales endangered and other populations on the decline, it seems like commercial whale hunting should be illegal. Well it is, according to the International Whaling Commission (IWC), but some countries have chosen not to pay any attention to this decree. In response, some organizations have chosen to take matters into their own hands.
About Commercial Whaling
In 1986, the IWC declared a moratorium on commercial whale hunting. This ideally would stop the commercial whale hunts. However some countries have decided not to follow the global ban on commercial whale hunting, including Japan, Iceland, and Norway.
2008 Quota for Commercial Whale Hunt
Japan: 1, 000 whales (Fin Whales and Minkes)Norway: 1052 (Minkes)
Iceland: 40 (Minkes)
Source: Humane Society International
The 2009 Conference of the IWC is in session from June 22-26 in Portugal. Here, additional quotas are being proposed for 2009 by countries interested in commercial whaling. Likewise, conservation and animal welfare organizations are bringing their own ideas to the table.
Taking Action for Whales
Some organizations work with the IWC and put pressure on the governments of these rogue countries. They also reach the corporations in these countries to and ask them to discourage whaling. NGO's also suggest alternative money-making ventures, like whale watching eco-tourism, and emphasize conservation efforts.
However for some organizations, like the Sea Shepherd Organization, agree that conservation and talks are good, but they are not enough. The Sea Shepherd Organization and its founder Captain Paul Watson have decided to take things into their own hands to protect the whales. Even if it means being called an eco-pirate, and sometimes even an eco-terrorist.
But they don't see it that way. The Sea Shepherd's mandate is "to assume a law enforcement role as provided by the United Nations World Charter for Nature". They don't consider their work eco-terrorism. They explain that they are just working to protect the whales, and other sea creatures, from harm.
"I have been honored to serve the whales, dolphins, seals—and all the other creatures on this Earth. Their beauty, intelligence, strength, and spirit have inspired me. These beings have spoken to me, touched me, and I have been rewarded by friendship with many members of different species," says Watson, of Sea Shepherd.
Watch the Video: Saving the Whales—Is this Eco-Terrorism?
How You Can Help the Whales
- Volunteer with Sea Shephard
- Support Conservation Efforts for Whales and Other Threatened Species
- Help Save the Wales
- Save Whales Not Whaling Save the Whales. Seriously: These 3 Websites Can Help
Find out more about the balance between taking action and eco-terrorism on Focus Earth: June 27, 2009: The Roots of Eco-Terrorism and Saving the Whales.
More on Whales and Conservation
Anti-Whaling Warrior, Captain Paul Watson
Survey: Is Paul Watson a Hero or an Extremist?
Video of Endangered Beluga Whales Playing
World Oceans Day is June 8: Celebrate by Getting Involved!
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