Whaling is soo WRONG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Worldwide populations of whales are becoming increasingly vulnerable to extinction. With a return to whaling seeming inevitable, these beautiful creatures are under an ever increasing threat. Before the commercial whaling ban in 1986 many great whale species, such as blue whales, were almost hunted to extinction.

RECENT EVENTS: At The International Whaling Commission’s (IWC) recent convention, St Kitts and Nevis, June 2006, a draft proposal was put forward by a number of countries belonging to the IWC, for the commission to move back towards its original purpose, as an organisation to control whaling rather than to stop it. There was a majority of 33 to 32 in favour of this proposal, showing that the pro-whaling nations are slowly increasing their influence. Although the proposal was not passed, it is CRITICAL as it could be the start of a return to mass commercial whaling if the pro-whaling nations continue to gain support.

1,500 – 2,000 pilot whales are slaughtered in the Faroes every single year

1693 whales were killed in 2004 by IWC member nations

HOW ARE THEY KILLED? Explosive harpoons are used, that puncture the skin and then explode inside the body, blowing the whales insides to pieces seconds after impact. The whales can then take minutes or several hours of suffering before it dies often by bleeding to death. Even then they may have to be shot many times using shotguns, before they finally die.

665 products in Japanese markets were identified to contain at least 15 different species of whale and dolphin. Species found included those protected by international agreements. The presence of these species suggests illegal whaling not only by Japan, but also by the countries where the meat was imported from.

Whaling has been occuring sustainably since pre-historic times but only more recently have they been commercially hunted. Even though whaling has been monitored since 1940 by the IWC and is banned in most countries, it still continues, illegally.

Seven out of the 13 great whale species are still endangered or vulnerable after decades of protection. A return to whaling would definitely sign the death warrant for some of these species

"Individually, we are just one drop, Together we are the ocean"
Together we can make a difference


Courtesy of: www.whalenation.org