The Case Against Whaling: A Call for Global Action

I come from a place where the whales migrate north each year, joining us as partners in both tourism and fisheries. These majestic creatures have long been intertwined with our lives, from the ancient rhythms of the sea to the vibrant waters that still sustain us today. In my heart lies a deep respect for the whales, not just for their economic value, but for the role they play in our ecosystems and cultures.

I hold dear the memories of Goose Cove, a serene coastal village where smaller minke whales now grace the waters. These places root me in both the past and the present, a deep connection to where I come from. Back in the 1970s, whaling was still legal, and my grandmother learned to make sushi from Japanese whalers who had set up local fisheries, feeding a large demand for whale meat. How that happened, I'm not entirely sure—maybe it was through some kind of fisheries license for our waters.

But the 1970s also marked the beginning of something much bigger: a global shift, a growing realization that we didn’t need to exploit these magnificent keynote species for survival. It was the start of a movement toward respect for life, especially the creatures with whom we share the oceans. The world was learning, and so were we, that it was time to cherish, not consume, these vital players in our marine ecosystems.

We in NFLD HAVE grown to understand that protecting our marine partners—like the whales—not only preserves biodiversity but also strengthens our ties to the earth and sea. It’s a testament to how far we’ve come, from those struggles of the past to embracing a future where conservation and culture go hand in hand.

1. Environmental Impact of Whaling

• Dating back to the time of Moby Dick. The early 19th century, when Moby Dick is set, marked the height of global whaling, particularly in places like New England. During this period, whales were relentlessly hunted for their oil, which was a valuable commodity used in lamps, lubricants, soap, and cosmetics. Whale oil was so prized that it played a major role in fueling the Industrial Revolution, lighting homes and powering machinery before the widespread use of petroleum.
• The pursuit of whales was historically dangerous and grueling, as vividly depicted in Herman Melville’s Moby Dick (published in 1851). Whalers would spend months or years at sea, enduring brutal conditions, storms, icebergs, and the immense strength of the whales they sought. The white whale in Moby Dick—a nearly mythical figure for Captain Ahab—symbolizes humanity’s destructive obsession with dominating nature. During this time, whales were hunted nearly to extinction, not only for their oil but also for baleen, which was used in corsets and buggy whips, among other products.
• These hunting practices were unsustainable, pushing species like the sperm whale, right whale, and blue whale to the brink of extinction by the end of the 19th century. For instance, the blue whale population, which once numbered over 200,000, was reduced by 90%. Although conservation efforts have since been introduced, species like the fin whale, sei whale, and minke whale remain vulnerable or endangered according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. The 19th-century whaling era serves as a sobering reminder of how unchecked exploitation of natural resources can devastate ecosystems and drive species to the edge of survival.
• Whales’ Role in Carbon Sequestration: Whales play a key role in carbon sequestration. When they die naturally, their bodies sink to the ocean floor, trapping carbon for centuries. A study published in Nature shows that each great whale sequesters an estimated 33 tons of CO2 over its lifetime. Protecting whales helps to combat climate change by maintaining this natural process.
• Ecosystem Balance: Whales contribute to marine ecosystem health by cycling nutrients between the ocean's depths and the surface. This stimulates plankton growth, which is essential for marine life and carbon absorption. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), whales' nutrient cycling also helps maintain fish stocks by supporting plankton populations.

2. Declining Demand for Whale Meat

• Global Reduction in Consumption: Across various cultures, the demand for whale meat has drastically decreased. In many regions, younger generations show little interest in consuming it. In some cases, whale meat now accounts for less than 1% of overall meat consumption.
• Frozen Whale Meat Surplus: Surpluses of frozen whale meat exist in storage, with thousands of tons remaining unsold. This reflects a shrinking market for whale meat, demonstrating that its role in food culture is diminishing.

3. Global Agreements and International Cooperation

• International Whaling Commission (IWC): In 1986, the IWC enacted a global moratorium on commercial whaling in response to declining whale populations. This effort to protect whales has gained significant international support, with many countries adhering to the moratorium to preserve endangered species.
• United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Protecting whales aligns with global commitments to conserve marine ecosystems and biodiversity, particularly through SDG 14, which seeks to protect life below water. Ending whaling supports efforts to sustain healthy oceans for future generations.

4. The Economic Case for Whale-Watching

• Booming Whale-Watching Industry: Globally, whale-watching is becoming a multi-billion-dollar industry. According to the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), whale-watching generated an estimated $2.1 billion in 2009 alone. Countries that once practiced whaling, like Iceland, have found economic benefits in shifting to whale-watching.
• Economic Opportunities: Coastal regions with rich marine biodiversity have the potential to create jobs and boost local economies through sustainable tourism. This industry not only generates revenue but also promotes marine conservation.

5. Ethical and Sentience Considerations

• Whale Intelligence: Whales are among the most intelligent animals on Earth. They exhibit complex social behaviors, strong emotional bonds, and communication abilities. Numerous studies suggest that whales experience pain and emotions similarly to humans, raising ethical concerns about hunting these sentient creatures.
• Moral Responsibility: Given their intelligence and the capacity for suffering, there is a growing moral argument to end whaling. The ethical considerations regarding the treatment of sentient beings have led many to advocate for the protection of whales.

My request for Countries to Cease Whaling and Promote Sustainable Alternatives

To the remaining nations that continue to engage in whaling, I appeal to your sense of global responsibility and shared environmental stewardship. The history of whaling, while deeply ingrained in some cultures, no longer reflects the values or needs of our time. I ask that your governments, industries, and communities reconsider the cultural and historical beliefs that have justified the continued slaughter of whales and other marine species.

The world has changed dramatically since the era of large-scale whaling in the 19th century, when it was driven by economic necessity and a lack of alternatives. The relentless hunting of these majestic creatures for oil, baleen, and meat has left an indelible scar on marine biodiversity, pushing many species to the edge of extinction. No way does anybody believe your boats are out there for science when the magnitude of evidence is in the stores! While some communities may view whaling as part of their heritage( and while this is not the only species that get this treatment - deer hunting and seals ), this practice no longer serves a vital function in modern economies. Instead, it threatens our shared environmental future. I hope that one day we might say the same for cows and chickens, but in the context of ecosystems, whales are the keystone species of the ocean—much like wolves in Yellowstone—and they need protection now.

I request that all countries still engaging in whaling:

1. Respect International Conservation Efforts: Adhere to international agreements such as the International Whaling Commission’s moratorium on commercial whaling and uphold the IUCN Red List classifications, which mark several whale species as endangered or vulnerable.
2. Shift Cultural Narratives: While acknowledging cultural practices, we call on these nations to promote alternative, sustainable traditions that honor marine life without harm. Cultural preservation need not rely on the slaughter of whales, but can instead evolve toward practices that celebrate marine ecosystems.
3. Address Consumer Demand: Recognize the role that consumer preferences play in sustaining the whaling industry. Governments should support public education campaigns that emphasize the ecological importance of whales, promote alternative livelihoods, and encourage shifts in consumer behavior toward sustainable, ethical choices.
4. Invest in Sustainable Economies: Redirect the economic incentives from whaling to industries that promote ocean conservation, eco-tourism, and the protection of biodiversity. Whale watching, for instance, offers a viable alternative that supports local economies without damaging marine populations.

I ask for leadership that prioritizes both cultural heritage and environmental protection, recognizing that the slaughter of whales is no longer compatible with the global imperative to safeguard biodiversity for future generations. This is an opportunity to demonstrate how respect for tradition can coexist with the urgent need for conservation.

In the spirit of international cooperation, I urge these nations to find new pathways that honor their past while ensuring the survival of whale populations and the health of our oceans. The world is watching, and the time for change is now.

How to do it best and generate stewardship in the youngsters.

A powerful way to shift cultural narratives and reduce harmful practices like whaling is through the stories we tell to children. Iconic books like Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren and Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery have long shaped the values of kindness, curiosity, and respect for the world around us. Introducing similar narratives that promote empathy for nature and the importance of conservation can be a transformative approach.

In these classic books, both Pippi and Anne exhibit a deep respect for animals and the natural environment, showing children that compassion and kindness are the path to a more fulfilling and just life. They teach resilience, friendship, and the importance of standing up for what’s right—all values that can help reshape attitudes toward environmental protection and animal welfare.

How These Stories Can Help

1. Instill Values of Compassion and Respect: Books that model compassionate relationships with animals, much like Pippi’s love for her horse or Anne’s wonder at nature, can help children form emotional connections with wildlife. By fostering empathy for marine life through beloved characters, future generations may grow up valuing whales as sentient beings deserving of protection rather than commodities.
2. Promote Environmental Stewardship: Characters like Anne of Green Gables display wonder and reverence for nature, often taking joy in simple pleasures like watching birds or appreciating the beauty of a river. Modern children's literature can build on this by featuring protagonists who advocate for protecting the oceans and marine creatures, encouraging children to become stewards of the environment.
3. Create Positive Cultural Shifts: Just as books like Pippi Longstocking have reshaped societal views on gender norms by showing a strong, independent girl defying expectations, similar stories can challenge traditional views on whaling or hunting. By introducing narratives where children question outdated practices and lead their communities toward change, books can help reframe harmful traditions.

Examples of New Literature:

• A Whale's Friend: A children's book where the protagonist befriends a whale and learns about the creature's intelligence, social bonds, and importance in the ocean ecosystem. The story could explore how the child takes a stand against whaling in their community, showing bravery and compassion.
• Ocean’s Guardians: A series of adventure books where children explore the seas, uncovering the beauty of marine life and learning how human activities like pollution and hunting endanger these creatures. Along the way, they become advocates for conservation, spreading messages of respect for marine life.

By creating a new generation of stories that model kindness, respect for wildlife, and environmental stewardship, YOU can shape attitudes from an early age. These narratives will contribute to the cultural shift needed to support the global movement toward sustainable practices, leaving harmful traditions like whaling in the past where they belong.

Conclusion

Protecting whales is not just an environmental necessity but an ethical imperative. The continued practice of whaling disrupts fragile ecosystems, hinders efforts to combat climate change, and goes against growing global conservation movements. Instead, transitioning toward sustainable alternatives like whale-watching and protecting these majestic creatures is the path forward. The time to turn the tide on whaling is now, for the health of our oceans and the future of our planet.