Disturbing footage from the Antartic whale hunt

[Mr.X]

I thank everyone for their support. I am not sure whether the thread violates rules, but I believe that most of the folks here support environmental awareness. This latest hunt is a "scientific" mission to get data to determine whaling sustainability. Approximately 1000 Minke's are targeted in this particular study. It is also a push by major whaling nations to restart their harvesting programs. X

 

[cyklon_300]

a lengthy, rambling debate on another whaling thread...the entire gamut of opinions of whales simply being the oceanic equivalent of pigs/cattle, the importance of hunting culture and tradition of native peoples, managing a renewable marine resource, blah blah...

Sometimes you just rely on your deepest, gut-level instincts and know that a particular action is reprehensible.

I don't care what benefits to human society are derived from whaling, it shouldn't be done. Call me a whale hugger, it doesn't offend me.

 

[Jim Ernst]

a lengthy, rambling debate on another whaling thread...the entire gamut of opinions of whales simply being the oceanic equivalent of pigs/cattle, the importance of hunting culture and tradition of native peoples, managing a renewable marine resource, blah blah...

Sometimes you just rely on your deepest, gut-level instincts and know that a particular action is reprehensible.

I don't care what benefits to human society are derived from whaling, it shouldn't be done. Call me a whale hugger, it doesn't offend me.

100% AGREE,and i would love to hug a whale!!! oh and shoot it WITH MY CAMERA!!!! guess i am a whale hugger too!!!

 

[drbill]

a lengthy, rambling debate on another whaling thread...the entire gamut of opinions of whales simply being the oceanic equivalent of pigs/cattle, the importance of hunting culture and tradition of native peoples, managing a renewable marine resource, blah blah...

Sometimes you just rely on your deepest, gut-level instincts and know that a particular action is reprehensible.

I don't care what benefits to human society are derived from whaling, it shouldn't be done. Call me a whale hugger, it doesn't offend me.

I agree that one's gut often is a good guide, and mine reacts strongly against the practice of whaling. However, one must place whaling of certain target species within a larger perspective.

I dislike the idea of harvesting another sentient being. I wouldn't appreciate aliens arriving here on Earth to harvest us. I'm less concerned about harvesting other animals live livestock, chickens, etc., but our California Dairy Association seems intent on making me see cows as nearly human in their ads!

Most of us do seem to side with the most cuddly, the most mammalian, the most "charismatic" of the species harvested or hunted by man. Yet all life should have value, and the taking of any of it for food or other human needs should be viewed within that framework. Even those vegetarians who harvest seeds, nuts and fruits are terminating potential life (not sure how I feel about the ones that feed only on renewable parts like leaves)

When viewing any species as a harvest candidate, one must evaluate whether they can be harvested with sustainability. Most whale species can't, some can.

But back to my gut feeling... all torpedoes away!

 

[slingshot]

Anti-whaling email sent as well. I've been involved in research of various sorts, and none of my study subjects human or animal have ended up on supermarket shelves.

 

[Heffey]

Rather disturbing videos.

While I do agree with what Greenpeace is trying to accomplish, I can't say that I always agree with their tactics.

Don't get me wrong, I am opposed to whaling but one of the videos seems a bit hypocritical to me. The video spokesman goes on about the harpoon misses and poorly placed harpoon shots on one whale and then the video shows a Greenpeace boat spraying water to try and prevent the whaling ship from getting a clear shot. Seems the tactics work. Going out of their way to harass the harpoon gunner is ok, I guess, but to complain that the animal suffered unduly because of the poor shooting and not take some of the blame themselves is ridiculous.

Just my $.02
Jeffrey

 

[scuba4321]

That was very sick to watch! Sent my email too and the link to all my friends!!

 

[tlawler]

As much as it pains me to stand by and watch a magnificent creature like a whale be slaughtered, it is serving a purpose, however anacronistic that purpose may be. But how many of you feel that killing innocent babies is much more criminal? I mean, whales are not our future, our children are! Get priorities straight. Save the whales indeed, but put at least as much voice behind saving the babies as well.

 

[Cacia]

Thanks for posting such a sad event, Mr X. Please write letters people and skip the lousy Gorton's fishsticks. My kids will see this.

 

[cyklon_300]

Most of us do seem to side with the most cuddly, the most mammalian, the most "charismatic" of the species harvested or hunted by man. Yet all life should have value, and the taking of any of it for food or other human needs should be viewed within that framework. Even those vegetarians who harvest seeds, nuts and fruits are terminating potential life (not sure how I feel about the ones that feed only on renewable parts like leaves)


I'm a biologist, too and am well aware of the affinity of people to want to save 'charismatic' species. If we all converted to being strict fruitarians, then perhaps no living entities would be killed to sustain us...except possibly the microbes we inhale. Ain't gonna happen, tho.

There are extensive, multi-billion industries already established for the harvesting of terrestrial and oceanic protein sources. Whaling will not affect whether people go to bed hungry or not. So, like you said, torpedoes away...