Filed In:
The Whaling Controversy
In 1986, a moratorium on whale hunting was initiated by the International Whale Commission. Despite the widespread international outcry to halt the commercial killing of whales, three nations—Japan, Iceland and Norway—continue to slaughter whales without regard for IWC regulations or the long-term viability of whale populations.
How Many Whales Where There Before Whaling?
One subject on which scientists, conservationists, and the whaling industry disagree, is exactly how many whales there were before whale hunting started.
Iceland Resumes Whale Hunting in 'Name of Science'
As whaling ships disembark from Icelands harbors to hunt for minke whales, protestors fill London's Trafalgar Square to demonstrate opposition to the move. Iceland intents to kill 38 whales in what they claims to be a 'scientific program' to find out if the minke whales are impacting fish stocks.
Iceland Sets Sights on Whalemeat Trade
The BBC reports that Iceland plans to export two tonnes of minke whalemeat to the Faroe Islands. Despite an international ban on whaling, Iceland and other countries such as Japan and Norway, still conduct commercial whaling.
Japan's Continued Whale Hunting Stirs Debate
The announcement by Japan that it intends to monitor whales via satellite has met with staunch criticism by the environmental community.
Norway Increases Whale Hunt Quota by 30 Percent
Norway has increased their quota of minke whales they intend to kill in 2006 from 797 to 1052 whales. This increase, which represents a 30% rise over last year's quota, has met with fierce opposition from conservationists.