Blubbering

The International Whaling Committee once again rebuffed the attempt to implement commercial whaling.



Whaling is a big deal in Japan, or at least, a small group wants it to be. Japan has a long history of whaling. Ahem, ok, only a few areas have a long history of whaling. The rest of the country experienced whale meat in the 20th C. Still, some vocal players shrill "Tradition!" and bemoan how bullied Japan is by the world. Currently, Japan takes roughly 1,000/year in the name of scientific research. To impress on the current generation just how traditional whaling is, a lot of the meat is served to school children. Leftovers are made into pet food.

Personally, if Japan wants to whale in its own waters, using traditional methods, I think that's fine. That is, after all, tradition. But Japan wants to go down to Antarctica and use modern conveniences.

Finally, finally, I asked one of my teachers about this. I made a point to ask a science teacher. And he says that whaling is ok. I ask about whaling outside of Japan's waters. He squirmed a bit, but said that the whale population is strong, and the whales won't die off, so whaling anywhere is ok.