Whaling (Secondary)
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Lesson duration is: 45 minIntroduction
Overfishing is emptying the ocean, with 90% of fisheries already overfished. Illegal fishing is having a big impact. This lesson explains the role commercial whaling has played and the current status of whaling.
Instructions
In this lesson we explain the current status of whaling, the implications of whaling over the 1900’s and which countries continue illegal commercial whaling hunts.
Time: 45 minutes
Contact: education@seashepherdglobal.org
© Sea Shepherd 2021
Time: 45 minutes
Contact: education@seashepherdglobal.org
© Sea Shepherd 2021
Instructions
Worksheets
Items in this lesson
Slide 1 - Slide
This lesson is provided by Sea Shepherd. Sea Shepherd was founded in 1977 and is a marine conservation organisation working to protect the oceans and marine wildlife. Sea Shepherd works globally on a range of issues impacting the oceans, running numerous direct action campaigns each year. Stopping whale poaching is one area Sea Shepherd is working.
Slide 2 - Slide
During the lesson we will use these icons to identify the learning actions.
Slide 3 - Slide
In this lesson we explain the current status of whaling, the implications of whaling over the 1900’s and which countries continue illegal commercial whaling hunts.
INTERACTIVE JOIN – ask students to go to www.LessonUp.app
INTERACTIVE JOIN – ask students to go to www.LessonUp.app
What do you already know about whaling?
Slide 4 - Open question
What do you already know?
Ask students to answer the following question using www.LessonUp.app or discuss in the classroom.
“What do you already know about whaling?”
Ask students to answer the following question using www.LessonUp.app or discuss in the classroom.
“What do you already know about whaling?”
Slide 5 - Video
Scientists estimate that by 2050 the ocean ecosystem will be on the verge of collapse, empty of fish and marine wildlife, unless urgent action is taken on the issues impacting on the oceans and marine wildlife.
Show this video (2.53min), which explains how important all species are to our planet.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLcA31VRlRU
Discuss the video with the class and what it means.
Show this video (2.53min), which explains how important all species are to our planet.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLcA31VRlRU
Discuss the video with the class and what it means.
Slide 6 - Slide
Whales have been around on this planet for 50 million years and they once filled the oceans with millions of them swimming around, but today they count in the thousands.
What are the implications
for our biosphere if
whales become extinct?
for our biosphere if
whales become extinct?
Slide 7 - Mind map
Ask students to complete their answers to the following question using the www.LessonUp.app or discuss in classroom.
“What implications do you think it would have on the Earth’s biosphere if whales become extinct?”
“What implications do you think it would have on the Earth’s biosphere if whales become extinct?”
Slide 8 - Slide
Carbon cycle
Whales play an important part in the ecosystem; one of those roles they play is in supporting our air supply.
Phytoplankton, are microscopic organisms that live in the ocean, they are so small you can’t see them with the naked eye, but they are very important to our air supply. One of their key functions is they draw carbon from the air.
All the air we breathe out, or the fossil fuels we burn, like coal to make electricity, or petrol in our cars, all creates carbon. Without something to take that out of the air it would become toxic.
Phytoplankton are dependent on nutrients and nitrogen in the ocean which they receive from things like whale poo. Whales in turn need phytoplankton as food, as do other creatures like krill, which are another food source for whales. So we need whales to help the phytoplankton to grow so they can help reduce the carbon in the air.
Whales play an important part in the ecosystem; one of those roles they play is in supporting our air supply.
Phytoplankton, are microscopic organisms that live in the ocean, they are so small you can’t see them with the naked eye, but they are very important to our air supply. One of their key functions is they draw carbon from the air.
All the air we breathe out, or the fossil fuels we burn, like coal to make electricity, or petrol in our cars, all creates carbon. Without something to take that out of the air it would become toxic.
Phytoplankton are dependent on nutrients and nitrogen in the ocean which they receive from things like whale poo. Whales in turn need phytoplankton as food, as do other creatures like krill, which are another food source for whales. So we need whales to help the phytoplankton to grow so they can help reduce the carbon in the air.
Why do you think so many
whales species are endangered?
whales species are endangered?
Slide 9 - Mind map
Ask students to complete their answers to the following question using the www.LessonUp.app or discuss in classroom.
Many whales species are currently endangered.
“What do you think are the main causes of this?”
Many whales species are currently endangered.
“What do you think are the main causes of this?”
Slide 10 - Slide
Threats to Whales
Whales have to face numerous threats, including:
PLASTIC POLLUTION
One issue that is affecting the whales and all marine wildlife is marine debris. Things like plastic bags, balloons, bottles, fishing nets, all kinds of rubbish that they end up swallowing.
BY-CATCH
By-catch is anything that gets caught in commercial fishing nets that the fishermen don’t want or cannot sell. It mostly gets thrown back into the oceans as rubbish, a waste of life effectively. This includes whales, which can become trapped in fishing nets. Around 300,000 whales and dolphins die each year in fishing nets.
ENTANGLEMENT IN NETS
Migrating whales are also becoming entangled in ghost nets, which are nets lost or discarded overboard by commercial fishing vessels.
SHIP STRIKES
Another issue affecting whales is shipping. All around the world there are a lot more ships travelling around, particularly the big cargo ships, oil tankers and coal ships, and thousands of marine animals are hit and seriously injured or killed by ships each year. The biggest problem is that shipping lanes are taking over old migration paths and we are building shipping ports near or on what used to be feeding grounds or nurseries for whales. This makes it very unsafe for the new calves and their mums. Around 70% of everything manufactured is transported somewhere by sea.
Whales have to face numerous threats, including:
PLASTIC POLLUTION
One issue that is affecting the whales and all marine wildlife is marine debris. Things like plastic bags, balloons, bottles, fishing nets, all kinds of rubbish that they end up swallowing.
BY-CATCH
By-catch is anything that gets caught in commercial fishing nets that the fishermen don’t want or cannot sell. It mostly gets thrown back into the oceans as rubbish, a waste of life effectively. This includes whales, which can become trapped in fishing nets. Around 300,000 whales and dolphins die each year in fishing nets.
ENTANGLEMENT IN NETS
Migrating whales are also becoming entangled in ghost nets, which are nets lost or discarded overboard by commercial fishing vessels.
SHIP STRIKES
Another issue affecting whales is shipping. All around the world there are a lot more ships travelling around, particularly the big cargo ships, oil tankers and coal ships, and thousands of marine animals are hit and seriously injured or killed by ships each year. The biggest problem is that shipping lanes are taking over old migration paths and we are building shipping ports near or on what used to be feeding grounds or nurseries for whales. This makes it very unsafe for the new calves and their mums. Around 70% of everything manufactured is transported somewhere by sea.
Slide 11 - Slide
The issue that has had the biggest impact and pushed whales into the endangered category is whale hunts or whaling.
During the 1900’s, with the development of new technology, mankind was able to build stronger, faster and bigger boats. This resulted in more and more whales being hunted in the world’s oceans.
Research reveals that nearly 3 million whales were killed during whale hunts during the 1900’s alone.
During the 1900’s, with the development of new technology, mankind was able to build stronger, faster and bigger boats. This resulted in more and more whales being hunted in the world’s oceans.
Research reveals that nearly 3 million whales were killed during whale hunts during the 1900’s alone.
Slide 12 - Slide
Before whaling started in the southern hemisphere there were estimated to be over 200,000 Blue whales, now over 100 years later the estimate is that there are less than 2,000. This is around only 1% of the pre-whaling population. Globally there believed to be less than 20,000 left, which puts them in the endangered species category.
Slide 13 - Slide
Whales are still endangered
While whaling has been banned and most countries stopped whaling prior to the 1980’s ban, the populations of whales have yet to fully recover.
Even 80 years after we stopped whaling species like the southern right whale, their numbers are still low.
While whaling has been banned and most countries stopped whaling prior to the 1980’s ban, the populations of whales have yet to fully recover.
Even 80 years after we stopped whaling species like the southern right whale, their numbers are still low.
Why do you think it
takes so long for whale
numbers to recover?
takes so long for whale
numbers to recover?
Slide 14 - Mind map
Ask students to complete their answers to the following question using the www.LessonUp.app or discuss in classroom.
“Why do you think it takes so long for whale populations to recover?”
Some answers:
➢ Other causes, like by-catch, are still killing whales.
➢ Whales only breed once every 2 -3 years, their reproduction rate is low.
➢ Whales only reach maturity between 5 - 10 years old.
➢ Whales only have one calf at a time.
“Why do you think it takes so long for whale populations to recover?”
Some answers:
➢ Other causes, like by-catch, are still killing whales.
➢ Whales only breed once every 2 -3 years, their reproduction rate is low.
➢ Whales only reach maturity between 5 - 10 years old.
➢ Whales only have one calf at a time.
Slide 15 - Slide
In 1946 the International Whaling Commission (IWC) was set up.
The IWC is made up of all the whaling nations and is a body that self regulates whaling. It is voluntary to participate but those countries that do must abide by the IWC regulations. It is important to remember, these are nations that have a history of whaling.
The IWC was, in their words, set up to provide proper conservation of whale stocks and make possible orderly development of the whaling industry. Which means they recognized that many whale species were being hunted to extinction and unless quotas and controls were put in placed on whaling there would be no whales left to hunt.
Quotas were imposed on participating countries and catch numbers were monitored. But not everyone abided by these quotas, there were still countries whaling without limits and there were also pirate whaling countries. This was still widely happening up to the early 1980’s.
The IWC is made up of all the whaling nations and is a body that self regulates whaling. It is voluntary to participate but those countries that do must abide by the IWC regulations. It is important to remember, these are nations that have a history of whaling.
The IWC was, in their words, set up to provide proper conservation of whale stocks and make possible orderly development of the whaling industry. Which means they recognized that many whale species were being hunted to extinction and unless quotas and controls were put in placed on whaling there would be no whales left to hunt.
Quotas were imposed on participating countries and catch numbers were monitored. But not everyone abided by these quotas, there were still countries whaling without limits and there were also pirate whaling countries. This was still widely happening up to the early 1980’s.
Slide 16 - Slide
Pirate Whaling Atlantic Ocean – Sea Shepherd Case Study
One pirate whaling vessel, operating in the 1970’s, was a ship called the Sierra. This vessel was responsible for killing at least 25,000 whales during its time on the seas, all illegally. The crew did not care what species or what size whale they killed, from babies and young whales through to adults, whatever they could sell.
The only thing that stopped this vessel was Sea Shepherd. In 1979 Captain Paul Watson (founder of Sea Shepherd) and the crew of the Sea Shepherd II tracked this vessel to a port in Portugal. As the vessel departed the harbor, they deliberately rammed the Sierra causing enough damage that it had to return to port for repairs.
While the Sierra was in port for repairs someone helped to finish the job, by sinking the vessel in port, putting an end to its pirate whaling operation.
The Sierra was one of a number of vessels operating in the North Atlantic. Within 18 months of the Sierra being sunk the remaining vessels were all detained by authorities or stopped operating before they could be caught.
Without direct intervention by Sea Shepherd the Sierra would likely have continued to operate illegally.
One pirate whaling vessel, operating in the 1970’s, was a ship called the Sierra. This vessel was responsible for killing at least 25,000 whales during its time on the seas, all illegally. The crew did not care what species or what size whale they killed, from babies and young whales through to adults, whatever they could sell.
The only thing that stopped this vessel was Sea Shepherd. In 1979 Captain Paul Watson (founder of Sea Shepherd) and the crew of the Sea Shepherd II tracked this vessel to a port in Portugal. As the vessel departed the harbor, they deliberately rammed the Sierra causing enough damage that it had to return to port for repairs.
While the Sierra was in port for repairs someone helped to finish the job, by sinking the vessel in port, putting an end to its pirate whaling operation.
The Sierra was one of a number of vessels operating in the North Atlantic. Within 18 months of the Sierra being sunk the remaining vessels were all detained by authorities or stopped operating before they could be caught.
Without direct intervention by Sea Shepherd the Sierra would likely have continued to operate illegally.
Slide 17 - Slide
International ban on whaling
In 1982 the International Whaling Commission (IWC) recognised the desperate state of whale numbers and voted to impose a moratorium on commercial whaling from 1985/86. In order to save the whales from extinction, the signatory countries agreed that no country should continue commercial whaling.
In 1982 the International Whaling Commission (IWC) recognised the desperate state of whale numbers and voted to impose a moratorium on commercial whaling from 1985/86. In order to save the whales from extinction, the signatory countries agreed that no country should continue commercial whaling.
Slide 18 - Slide
Whaling classifications
Under the ban, whaling has been classified into three types:
➢ Commercial.
➢ Indigenous.
➢ Special permit.
Commercial whaling refers to the killing of whales for the sale of the meat and by-products for profit, usually in substantial numbers. All commercial whaling was banned in 1985/86.
Under the ban, whaling has been classified into three types:
➢ Commercial.
➢ Indigenous.
➢ Special permit.
Commercial whaling refers to the killing of whales for the sale of the meat and by-products for profit, usually in substantial numbers. All commercial whaling was banned in 1985/86.
Slide 19 - Slide
Indigenous exemption
An indigenous exemption was put in place so indigenous communities, that have a subsistence living and rely on whale meat, could continue to survive. The IWC specifies the purpose of this category is to:
➢ ensure the risks of extinction of whales, are not increased by whaling.
➢ enables native people to hunt at appropriate levels for their cultural and nutritional requirements.
➢ move whale populations towards and then maintain them at healthy levels.
An indigenous exemption was put in place so indigenous communities, that have a subsistence living and rely on whale meat, could continue to survive. The IWC specifies the purpose of this category is to:
➢ ensure the risks of extinction of whales, are not increased by whaling.
➢ enables native people to hunt at appropriate levels for their cultural and nutritional requirements.
➢ move whale populations towards and then maintain them at healthy levels.
Slide 20 - Slide
Indigenous exemption is supposed to be about subsistence living for remote communities that have limited access to other food sources. The limits on the numbers that can be caught are restricted, but the quotas are set based on discussion and negotiation at the IWC, so they don’t always reflect a subsistence level. There are a couple of definitions that are important when looking at this category:
'Aboriginal/subsistence whaling means whaling, for purposes of local aboriginal consumption, carried out by or on behalf of aboriginals, indigenous or native peoples who share strong community, social and cultural ties related to a continuing traditional dependence on whaling and on the use of whales.
Local aboriginal consumption means the traditional uses of whale products by local aboriginal, indigenous or native communities in meeting their nutritional, subsistence and cultural requirements. The term includes trade in items which are by-products of subsistence catches’
Which means the local community that catches the whale must use it for their own nutritional subsistence needs. They can then trade in by-products of the catch, but not the meat.
'Aboriginal/subsistence whaling means whaling, for purposes of local aboriginal consumption, carried out by or on behalf of aboriginals, indigenous or native peoples who share strong community, social and cultural ties related to a continuing traditional dependence on whaling and on the use of whales.
Local aboriginal consumption means the traditional uses of whale products by local aboriginal, indigenous or native communities in meeting their nutritional, subsistence and cultural requirements. The term includes trade in items which are by-products of subsistence catches’
Which means the local community that catches the whale must use it for their own nutritional subsistence needs. They can then trade in by-products of the catch, but not the meat.
Slide 21 - Slide
Special permit allows for the use of lethal research, whales can be killed for research purposes.
Do you know of any non lethal ways
research can be conducted on whales?
Slide 22 - Open question
Ask students to complete their answers to the following question using the www.LessonUp.app or discuss in classroom.
“Do you know of any non lethal ways research can be conducted on whales?”
Examples include:
➢ Using darts to take small samples.
➢ Attach tracking systems that follow whales, then detach after a period of time.
➢ Drones collecting whale ‘breath’ samples when they exhale.
“Do you know of any non lethal ways research can be conducted on whales?”
Examples include:
➢ Using darts to take small samples.
➢ Attach tracking systems that follow whales, then detach after a period of time.
➢ Drones collecting whale ‘breath’ samples when they exhale.
Slide 23 - Slide
CITES
In addition to the ban on whaling, all whale species were classified as an endangered species to be protected.
All whale species are listed under CITES (Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species).
Countries who have signed up to CITES must prohibit any trade in whale products, especially whale meat.
In addition to the ban on whaling, all whale species were classified as an endangered species to be protected.
All whale species are listed under CITES (Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species).
Countries who have signed up to CITES must prohibit any trade in whale products, especially whale meat.
If some countries continue to commercially whale illegally, how would banning trade help to stop whale poaching?
Slide 24 - Open question
Ask students to complete their answers to the following question using the www.LessonUp.app or discuss in classroom.
“If some countries continue to commercially whale illegally, how would prohibiting trade help to stop whale poaching?”
“If some countries continue to commercially whale illegally, how would prohibiting trade help to stop whale poaching?”
Slide 25 - Slide
Whaling nations – Indigenous exemptions
Using exemption under the IWC moratorium there are a number of nations that still conduct whaling.
RUSSIA
An exemption under the Indigenous or Aboriginal subsistence whaling was granted for the Chukotka people, in Siberia. They live in the eastern most part and very close to Alaska. They have killed around 110 -140 gray whales per year.
Given the number of people living in this area the quota they are allowed to hunt is questionably high. It has been proven in the past that they actually use some of the whale meat for fox fur farms. Which means they keep animals that they can use for the fur industry in small cages stacked high and they turn the whale meat into feedstock for these animals.
This community is in a remote area but it is accessible by sea and can access other modern materials and foods. They trade the whale meat to other areas. Both of which don’t comply with the IWC exemption.
UNITED STATES
The United States supports the ban on commercial whaling but does have an aboriginal subsistence permit for a community in Alaska. There are a number of communities of Inuit that work together via the Alaska Eskimo Whaling Commission. They are allowed a quota of 75 bowhead whales per year and they have taken between 40-70 a year.
GREENLAND
Greenland, which is part of Denmark, takes around 160-200 Minke and endangered Fin whales per year. Part of their catch is traded with other communities on the island and is also sold to tourists. In fact surveys show that over 70% of restaurants sell whale meat to tourists and the meat can be found for sale in Denmark. They claim they need to sell the meat to buy other goods, but the exemption is only supposed to provide for their nutritional needs from the meat. They can trade by-products but not meat. Selling it to tourists doesn’t meet the subsistence requirement.
WEST INDIES
The West Indies have taken about 35 humpback whales (around 2 a year) under their permit.
Using exemption under the IWC moratorium there are a number of nations that still conduct whaling.
RUSSIA
An exemption under the Indigenous or Aboriginal subsistence whaling was granted for the Chukotka people, in Siberia. They live in the eastern most part and very close to Alaska. They have killed around 110 -140 gray whales per year.
Given the number of people living in this area the quota they are allowed to hunt is questionably high. It has been proven in the past that they actually use some of the whale meat for fox fur farms. Which means they keep animals that they can use for the fur industry in small cages stacked high and they turn the whale meat into feedstock for these animals.
This community is in a remote area but it is accessible by sea and can access other modern materials and foods. They trade the whale meat to other areas. Both of which don’t comply with the IWC exemption.
UNITED STATES
The United States supports the ban on commercial whaling but does have an aboriginal subsistence permit for a community in Alaska. There are a number of communities of Inuit that work together via the Alaska Eskimo Whaling Commission. They are allowed a quota of 75 bowhead whales per year and they have taken between 40-70 a year.
GREENLAND
Greenland, which is part of Denmark, takes around 160-200 Minke and endangered Fin whales per year. Part of their catch is traded with other communities on the island and is also sold to tourists. In fact surveys show that over 70% of restaurants sell whale meat to tourists and the meat can be found for sale in Denmark. They claim they need to sell the meat to buy other goods, but the exemption is only supposed to provide for their nutritional needs from the meat. They can trade by-products but not meat. Selling it to tourists doesn’t meet the subsistence requirement.
WEST INDIES
The West Indies have taken about 35 humpback whales (around 2 a year) under their permit.
Slide 26 - Slide
Non IWC members
There are other countries that are not members of the IWC that hunt as a cultural practice, examples include Indonesia where up to 40 sperm whales a year are killed and Canada where Inuit’s kill several bowhead whales each year. South Korea also kills whales but it is not known how many exactly they kill each year, it is estimated to be around 100 or more.
There are other countries that are not members of the IWC that hunt as a cultural practice, examples include Indonesia where up to 40 sperm whales a year are killed and Canada where Inuit’s kill several bowhead whales each year. South Korea also kills whales but it is not known how many exactly they kill each year, it is estimated to be around 100 or more.
Slide 27 - Slide
Research whaling
When the IWC ban on whaling was put in place Japan applied for research permits to continue whaling in the Southern Ocean around Antarctica and within their waters in the North Pacific.
The quotas they set for research in Antarctica were to kill 1,035 whales, being 935 Minke, 50 endangered Fin whales and 50 Humpback whales.
In the North Pacific their permit was for a quota of 500 whales, 340 minke, 50 Bryde’s whales, 100 endangered Sei whales and 10 Sperm whales. Under the permit they are required to sell the whale meat, as nothing must go to waste.
When the IWC ban on whaling was put in place Japan applied for research permits to continue whaling in the Southern Ocean around Antarctica and within their waters in the North Pacific.
The quotas they set for research in Antarctica were to kill 1,035 whales, being 935 Minke, 50 endangered Fin whales and 50 Humpback whales.
In the North Pacific their permit was for a quota of 500 whales, 340 minke, 50 Bryde’s whales, 100 endangered Sei whales and 10 Sperm whales. Under the permit they are required to sell the whale meat, as nothing must go to waste.
Slide 28 - Slide
South Ocean Whale Sanctuary
Japan’s Antarctic whaling took place in the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary, which was established by the International Whaling Commission in 1994.
The Sanctuary is a 50 million km2 area surrounding Antarctica. The area is a significant feeding ground for many species of whale. Many migrate there with their new born calves during summer to fatten them up by feeding on krill.
Japan’s Antarctic whaling took place in the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary, which was established by the International Whaling Commission in 1994.
The Sanctuary is a 50 million km2 area surrounding Antarctica. The area is a significant feeding ground for many species of whale. Many migrate there with their new born calves during summer to fatten them up by feeding on krill.
What does sanctuary mean?
Should whaling be allowed in a sanctuary?
Slide 29 - Open question
Ask students to complete their answers to the following question using the www.LessonUp.app or discuss in classroom.
“What does the word sanctuary mean?”
Follow up “Do you think whaling is allowed in a sanctuary?”
Sanctuary is defined as:
➢ a refuge, a safe place.
➢ a place free from harm.
➢ a place or area where wildlife is protected from predators and from being destroyed or hunted by human beings.
“What does the word sanctuary mean?”
Follow up “Do you think whaling is allowed in a sanctuary?”
Sanctuary is defined as:
➢ a refuge, a safe place.
➢ a place free from harm.
➢ a place or area where wildlife is protected from predators and from being destroyed or hunted by human beings.
The Sanctuary is recognised by most as a necessity to allow whale populations to recover, which can only be done by allowing them to breed and raise their young. In this Sanctuary they should be free from human exploitation.
Slide 30 - Slide
International Court of Justice (ICJ)
In 2010 the Australian Government, with the support of New Zealand, lodged an action with the International Court of Justice against the Japanese whaling program in Antarctica.
They argued that Japanese whaling was a commercial whaling operation in breach of the IWC ban, not a research program. The ICJ finally ruled on the case in March 2014 and their ruling was that the Jarpn II research program was in fact a commercial operation and therefore in breach of the International Whaling Commission moratorium on whaling.
The ICJ didn’t hear evidence about the Jarpn II program (North Pacific).
In 2010 the Australian Government, with the support of New Zealand, lodged an action with the International Court of Justice against the Japanese whaling program in Antarctica.
They argued that Japanese whaling was a commercial whaling operation in breach of the IWC ban, not a research program. The ICJ finally ruled on the case in March 2014 and their ruling was that the Jarpn II research program was in fact a commercial operation and therefore in breach of the International Whaling Commission moratorium on whaling.
The ICJ didn’t hear evidence about the Jarpn II program (North Pacific).
Slide 31 - Slide
Following the ruling the Japanese whalers applied for a new research permit to conduct lethal research on 333 Minke whales, but this was denied by the IWC.
Even though the Japanese so-called research program, including a self-given quota of 333 Minke whales, had not been approved by the IWC, the Japanese whaling fleet returned to the Antarctic waters in 2015 and 2016 to illegally kill whales.
In 2019 Japan announced they would cease whaling in Antarctica. One of the main reasons was their factory whaling ship needed to be replaced and it was not economically viable to do so.
They now only continue their commercial whaling activities in their own waters in the North Pacific.
Even though the Japanese so-called research program, including a self-given quota of 333 Minke whales, had not been approved by the IWC, the Japanese whaling fleet returned to the Antarctic waters in 2015 and 2016 to illegally kill whales.
In 2019 Japan announced they would cease whaling in Antarctica. One of the main reasons was their factory whaling ship needed to be replaced and it was not economically viable to do so.
They now only continue their commercial whaling activities in their own waters in the North Pacific.
Why do you think a country
would continue whaling
an endangered species?
would continue whaling
an endangered species?
Slide 32 - Mind map
Ask students to complete their answers to the following question using the www.LessonUp.app or discuss in classroom.
“Why do you think a country would continue whaling, even though the targeted species is endangered?”
Answer
Japanese government officials have indicated a strong desire to continue whaling, as they believe that it is their culture and tradition to whale and eat whale meat. In reality only 1 - 2 % of percent of the Japanese population actually eat whale meat.
Whale meat also can contain high levels of mercury, making it toxic and dangerous for human consumption.
“Why do you think a country would continue whaling, even though the targeted species is endangered?”
Answer
Japanese government officials have indicated a strong desire to continue whaling, as they believe that it is their culture and tradition to whale and eat whale meat. In reality only 1 - 2 % of percent of the Japanese population actually eat whale meat.
Whale meat also can contain high levels of mercury, making it toxic and dangerous for human consumption.
Slide 33 - Slide
Illegal Commercial Whaling - Iceland
There are two other countries that have continued commercial whaling – Iceland and Norway
Iceland refused to accept the ban on commercial whaling and continues to whale and sell whale meat to Japan. Between 2006 and 2016 around 600 whales, including 300 endangered Fin whales, were killed.
Today Iceland has limited markets other than Japan to sell the meat to and an increasing number of people in Iceland now understand and support the ban on whaling. Less than 3% of the population purchase whale meat on a regular basis, but it is still served to tourists in restaurants.
In 2018 around 146 Fin whales and 6 Minke whales were caught. No licenses for whaling were issued in 2019 and 2020.
There are two other countries that have continued commercial whaling – Iceland and Norway
Iceland refused to accept the ban on commercial whaling and continues to whale and sell whale meat to Japan. Between 2006 and 2016 around 600 whales, including 300 endangered Fin whales, were killed.
Today Iceland has limited markets other than Japan to sell the meat to and an increasing number of people in Iceland now understand and support the ban on whaling. Less than 3% of the population purchase whale meat on a regular basis, but it is still served to tourists in restaurants.
In 2018 around 146 Fin whales and 6 Minke whales were caught. No licenses for whaling were issued in 2019 and 2020.
Slide 34 - Slide
Illegal Commercial Whaling - Norway
Norway does not believe that the ban on commercial whaling can be imposed on their government. Norway set their own quota and they continue to whale commercially. Their annual quota is over 1,000 whales.
They have not taken the full quota, indicating that either the Minke whale population in the North Atlantic is in trouble or they have no market for the whale meat.
Since the ban in 1985 they have taken over 10,500 Minke whales. Most of the whale meat is sold in the local market but interest in whale meat is declining and there are limited markets to sell it overseas.
Norway does not believe that the ban on commercial whaling can be imposed on their government. Norway set their own quota and they continue to whale commercially. Their annual quota is over 1,000 whales.
They have not taken the full quota, indicating that either the Minke whale population in the North Atlantic is in trouble or they have no market for the whale meat.
Since the ban in 1985 they have taken over 10,500 Minke whales. Most of the whale meat is sold in the local market but interest in whale meat is declining and there are limited markets to sell it overseas.
Why would Norway have trouble
selling whale meat?
Slide 35 - Open question
Ask students to complete their answers to the following question using the www.LessonUp.app or discuss in classroom.
“Why would Norway have trouble selling the whale meat?”
Answers:
➢ Firstly there is the CITES ban on the trade and sale of whale meat, so you need a country willing to participate in this illegal trade.
➢ Secondly no other country than Japan wants to buy whale meat, so there is limited demand. Norway has found new markets for the whale meat and sells it to the factory fur farm industry.
➢ Thirdly whale meat from this area, is seeing increasing levels of mercury contamination. High mercury levels are dangerous to humans, they can cause damage to the brain and nervous system. It can cause issues in being able to learn to walk, talk, causes blindness, tremors and memory issues. The concerns are to such an extent that Norwegian authorities have issued warnings that pregnant women and children should not eat whale meat at all.
“Why would Norway have trouble selling the whale meat?”
Answers:
➢ Firstly there is the CITES ban on the trade and sale of whale meat, so you need a country willing to participate in this illegal trade.
➢ Secondly no other country than Japan wants to buy whale meat, so there is limited demand. Norway has found new markets for the whale meat and sells it to the factory fur farm industry.
➢ Thirdly whale meat from this area, is seeing increasing levels of mercury contamination. High mercury levels are dangerous to humans, they can cause damage to the brain and nervous system. It can cause issues in being able to learn to walk, talk, causes blindness, tremors and memory issues. The concerns are to such an extent that Norwegian authorities have issued warnings that pregnant women and children should not eat whale meat at all.
Name six countries that
still conduct whale hunts?
still conduct whale hunts?
Slide 36 - Mind map
Ask students to complete their answers to the following question using the www.LessonUp.app or discuss in classroom.
“Name six countries that still continue whaling?”
“Name six countries that still continue whaling?”
What would you do to help stop whaling?
Slide 37 - Open question
Ask students to complete their answers to the following question using the www.LessonUp.app or discuss in classroom.
“What would you do to help stop whaling?”
“What would you do to help stop whaling?”
Write down three things you have learned?
Slide 38 - Open question
What did you learn?
Ask students to answer the following question using www.LessonUp.app or discuss in the classroom.
“Write down three things you have learned?”
Ask students to answer the following question using www.LessonUp.app or discuss in the classroom.
“Write down three things you have learned?”
Write down one thing you didn't understand?
Slide 39 - Open question
What don’t you understand?
Ask students to answer the following question using www.LessonUp.app or discuss in the classroom.
“Write down one thing you didn’t understand?”
Ask students to answer the following question using www.LessonUp.app or discuss in the classroom.
“Write down one thing you didn’t understand?”
Slide 40 - Slide
Sea Shepherd Case Studies
To enhance learning on this topic take a look at Sea Shepherd’s case study, which provide first hand insights into whaling in the Antarctic and the hard battle fought to stop Japanese whaling in the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary.
To enhance learning on this topic take a look at Sea Shepherd’s case study, which provide first hand insights into whaling in the Antarctic and the hard battle fought to stop Japanese whaling in the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary.
Slide 41 - Slide
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