Pros And Cons Of Whaling Essay

Whaling has existed throughout many different cultures through many different eras. It has been, in the past, a largely profitable commercial business for many years that many nations would partake in including Norway, Iceland, Greenland and Japan. It became evident that the continuation of whaling on a commercial scale would soon lead to the extinction of the species and that forms of regulation needed to be created to prevent the loss of these mammals. Through regulation was seen to be needed, there are many stakeholders within the issue of whaling who have different perspectives, affecting these regulations. Currently whaling is regulated by the International Whaling Commission, whaling is still allowed for indigenous individuals who use …show more content…
These stakeholders are passionately for whaling as its seen as a large part of their cultures traditions and their ancestors past. For these nations whaling is in their best interest, however, the common good must best serve everyone, including both pro and anti-whaling beliefs. There is a long tradition held by Indigenous people with the act of whaling, many of the hunting methods have been used for decades and they are passed down continuously through generations. An example of this can be seen within the Inupiaq people, it is practices that are simialr to these that are allowed in the IWC regulation inorder to maintain these important indigenous traditions. It is understood that the Inupiaq people feel a strong connection to the whale, and feel that it is a great part of who they are. An important part of this felt connection is the belief that the whale offers its life to them as a gift, and in return they take part in an ancient celebration called ‘Nalukataq’ hosted by the whaling captain and the crew once