Whaling

Whaling refers to the hunting of whales for meat, oil, and other products, pursued for commercial, subsistence, or scientific purposes. It has ancient roots in many coastal societies and became a major industrial activity in the 19th and 20th centuries, driven by demand for baleen, oil, and later processing by factory ships. Populations declined sharply in the 20th century, prompting international regulatory efforts. The International Whaling Commission established in 1946 regulated catch limits and is best known for a 1986 moratorium on commercial whaling, which remains in effect for most species and regions.

Whaling methods have evolved from traditional harpoon-and-basket methods to modern, vessel-based hunts. Contemporary operations may use powered harpoons, explosive-tipped projectiles, and factory ships to process whales at sea. Species composition varies by region, but large whales such as minke, fin, blue, humpback, and gray have been targets at various times. Bycatch, ecosystem impacts, and animal welfare concerns generate ongoing debate about the practice.

Regulation: The IWC coordinates international stock management, but not all countries are bound by its moratorium. Aboriginal subsistence whaling is allowed under IWC procedures and is intended to protect cultural livelihoods. Some nations have continued or resumed commercial whaling under reservations or outside the IWC framework, notably Norway, Iceland, and, for a period, Japan. In 2019 Japan exited the IWC and began whaling in its own waters under national regulations.

Conservation and controversy: Several large whale populations have shown signs of recovery since protections were put in place, though many species remain vulnerable or endangered in parts of their range. Whaling remains controversial, balancing conservation goals with cultural rights, economic interests, and animal welfare concerns.