Whale Wars

[luckydays]

Norway just opts to go its own way on this issue.

 

[Tigerman]

Norway just opts to go its own way on this issue.

No, we choose to go by what marinbilogists say about the numbers of whales of the species were hunting and we have set quotas as to how many animals the whalers are allowed to harvest.

If people want to call the whales "too intelligent" or "to cute" or "too whatever" not to hunt, thats all fine with me, but the same could be said for lots of animals people do hunt, but its got nothing to do with sustainable harvest.

 

[luckydays]

Hey, don't get defensive. I am of the belief that if Norway and Japan (and any other country) wants to hunt and kill whales for the betterment of them, go for it. Just dont get pissy when others have a different opinion.

I personally think that Norway has handled such a delicate issue very well. They do not hide that they are openly hunting and killing whales for commercial purposes. They are not hiding behind "research" and have done it legally. By reserving the right to oppose the IWC moritorium (even though Norway did agree to stop commercial whaling for a time) and continue to Whale on a commercial basis, they did it the right way. No lying, cheating, hiding or anything. Norway is upfront about it and for that it should be commended. But that is why, I think, Norway is not exposed the same way that Japan is.

 

[diverdoug1]

Have any of you tasted whale meat? Don't tell me.........does it taste like chicken?

 

[luckydays]

If people want to call the whales "too intelligent" or "to cute" or "too whatever" not to hunt, thats all fine with me, but the same could be said for lots of animals people do hunt, but its got nothing to do with sustainable harvest.

Agreed. There are certain animals that should not be hunted because of the sustainable level of that species. when the levels get low, the hunters should abide by the quota's given. I think more care should be given to the quota's to make sure that the species are not over fished and that does not always happen.

The animals that are regualted and have a sustainable level, should be hunted to prevent over population (look at the American Deer) by those that chose to do so. I just think the hunters need to be honest about their reasoning for the hunting.

 

[luckydays]

Have any of you tasted whale meat? Don't tell me.........does it taste like chicken?

When I was in Japan years ago, it was served to a friend, and it looked like any other fish to me. But I did not taste it. I guess it depends on how it is cooked.

 

[Tigerman]

We where even more exposed than the japanes is at the moment a decade or so ago though. Not sure why it stopped. Could be because most of the organizations that opposed got informed on how the harvest was controlled, what specie got hunted - It is exclusively Minke whales that get hunted by Norway in the North East Atlantic and their conservation status is LC (Least Concern).

And yes, I agree completely that if you wish to hunt something, you should be clear about it and not hide behind false motives, but that goes for most things in life..

 

[DennisS]

Dismissed from the IWC
In 1986 Sea Shepherd lost its status as observer at the IWC. The organisation claims that it is merely enforcing IWC rules. In February 1994, IWC Secretary, Ray Gambell, declared to NTB (the Norwegian Telegram Agency) that the IWC and all its member states ardently condemn Sea Shepherd’s acts of terrorism.

 

[luckydays]

We where even more exposed than the japanes is at the moment a decade or so ago though. Not sure why it stopped. Could be because most of the organizations that opposed got informed on how the harvest was controlled, what specie got hunted - It is exclusively Minke whales that get hunted by Norway in the North East Atlantic and their conservation status is LC (Least Concern).

And yes, I agree completely that if you wish to hunt something, you should be clear about it and not hide behind false motives, but that goes for most things in life..

I would venture to guess the increased exposure that came back more than a decade ago had more to do with the reintroduction of whaling that had been stopped for 5-6 years by Noway. Once it started up again, after no whaling even for a short time, conservationists had a battle to fight. I guess, once Norway stopped Whaling in the late 80's, the conservationist thought they had won the war. Reality is that Norway did not see the need to stop as they have controlled the population by setting and making sure the whalers have abided by the quotas.

 

[luckydays]

Dismissed from the IWC
In 1986 Sea Shepherd lost its status as observer at the IWC. The organisation claims that it is merely enforcing IWC rules. In February 1994, IWC Secretary, Ray Gambell, declared to NTB (the Norwegian Telegram Agency) that the IWC and all its member states ardently condemn Sea Shepherd’s acts of terrorism.

True, the Sea Shepard has been condemned by the IWC, but other countries apparently do not consider the organization terrorists or they would not be able to fly the Flag for The Netherlands or be able to port in Australia or Washington State here in the US. They get alot of money in support for the organization and like any other social active organization, so long as there is money for the cause, and they have a war to fight, they will go in all guns blazing. As they have.

I like the show, for the few episodes I have seen. I do think that it has raised awareness about an issue that few others knew anything about. Whether you like their practices or not, its a car accident that we can't take our eyes off of, and for that, they are getting exactly what they want - People to talk about the issue and debate it.