Caring for Whales: Outline
Introduction: Our oceans once brimming with sea life, have been greatly impacted with man’s presence. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the decline of our ocean’s cetacean population. The dire struggle faced by world’s whale populations has often been a closely guarded secret. The desire to profit from commercial whaling has led to legal and ethical loop holes within many of the world’s governments. Until issues surrounding whaling are resolved, the world’s whale populations still linger in the shadow of extinction.
Thesis: The conservation of whales and other cetaceans remains an important issue within today’s society. Over harvesting and environmental factors have greatly contributed to the decline of many species. I propose that by looking at factors that impact the decline of whale species, we can gain a better understanding of what factors are of the most concern within our ocean’s ecological systems.
- Issues Facing Whales
- Unsustainable whaling. The International Whaling Commission (IWC) is responsible for setting quotas however some feel that the quotas are unsustainable ("International whaling commission," 2012). Illegal whaling (without a permit or within a whale sanctuary) remains a problem. It is difficult to determine exact counts of the whale population due to their vast ranges.
- Vessel strikes. Ship strikes take the lives of countless cetaceans each year. Most strikes occur on larger whales; however collisions with smaller species are also problematic. Animals are often severely maimed or killed. Vessels can suffer great damage ("International whaling commisssion," 2012).
- Entanglement in fishing equipment or ocean debris. Entanglement often results in the long, slow death of many species that are unable to rise to the surface to breathe. Severe injury may also occur.
- Environmental concerns. Pollution, disease, anthropogenic sound, and climate changes all affect whale populations ("International whaling commisssion," 2012).
- Types of Whaling
- Commercial whaling under objection of the moratorium. The moratorium refers to the placement of restriction on the harvesting of non-protected species. This is determined by the population trends of each species ("International whaling commission," 2012).
- Aboriginal whaling to support indigenous people. This type of whaling is not subject to moratorium. The goals are to insure that whales are not subject to extinction by commercial whaling, continuing cultural traditions, and keep whale populations at healthy levels ("International whaling commission," 2012).
- Special permit whaling. This typically refers to the harvest of whales for scientific research. Researchers must provide data on their methodologies. Japan holds the highest number of special research permits ("International whaling commission," 2012).
- Ways to Protect Whale Populations
- Non-lethal research methods. New methods of non-invasive research need to be developed. Most restrictions on species harvested, harsher guidelines, and closer research monitoring are also needed.
- Prosecution of those who do not abide by quotas, obtain permits, or hunt in designated sanctuaries. Currently many political loop holes exist that allow many to skirt laws surrounding ethical whaling practices.
- Whale sanctuaries are designated areas of the ocean that prohibit hunting in that area. This is essential for protecting whale migratory patterns and breeding waters. More whale sanctuaries would give the populations a chance to recover.
- Current statistics that Support Ending Commercial Whaling
- “The blue whales of the Antarctic are at less than 1 percent of their original abundance, despite 40 years of complete protection.” (Greenpeace, 2012).
- It is estimated that before commercial whaling, the Humpback Whale population numbered 1.5 million. It is now estimated that only 20,000 remain (Greenpeace, 2012).
- Consumption of whale meat is dangerous to humans. Flesh and blubber are greatly contaminated with carcinogen that may cause long term disease and illness (Greenpeace, 2012).
- The Japanese government holds the most infractions within the IWC, ranging from over harvesting to hunting in designated sanctuaries (Greenpeace, 2012).
Conclusion: In conclusion, there is a great need to re-examine the impact that the loss of ocean life has had on our ocean’s ecosystem. Currently the regulations placed on whaling are not substantial enough to slow the decline of endangered whale species. New methods of conducting research and stifling the desire for whale products seem to be the best method for stopping whale harvests. Whales and other cetaceans remain an important part of our world and deserve the protection of man. By protecting whales we ensure that future generations will get to witness these magnificent animals and raise awareness about how important conserving our ocean is.
Key Terms and Abbreviations:
Cetacean- “marine mammals of the order Cetacea, including the whales, dolphins, and porpoises.” ("Internationalwhaling commisssion," 2012).
IWC- “International Whaling Commission is the global intergovernmental body charged with the conservation of whales and the management of whaling.” ("Internationalwhaling commisssion," 2012).
Moratorium- restriction on hunting ("Internationalwhaling commisssion," 2012).
Works Cited:
Greenpeace. (2012). Our work to end whaling. Retrieved from
International whaling commisssion. (2012). Retrieved from
Willis, F. (2008, November 4). Challenge to japan to prosecute anti- whaling activists worldwide. Retrieved from
