Japan along with many nations have a long history and tradition of whaling and it is part of their culture. Anti-whaling countries such as Australia, the UK and the United States are accused of cultural ignorance in their ongoing opposition to commercial whaling. Japan argues that this cultural bias is based on Western societies norms and political prejudice against whaling. The projection of the Western world's anti-whaling beliefs onto traditional whaling nations is seen to infringe on the rights of those nations.
Some argue that whaling is an ecologically sustainable industry, which uses a plentiful marine resource to support a growing human population. Whaling nations say it causes minimal environmental damage when compared to the land based agricultural industries of westernised nations like the United States and Australia. The effects of land based agriculture include soil erosion, wildlife habitat destruction, loss of biodiversity, pollution of groundwater reserves, release of greenhouse gases, pesticide contamination and salinity. Some even argue that whaling is a more energy efficient method of food production.
Some sources report that the whale population has been steadily increasing and are now at levels that can be safely exploited. It's argued that the current suspension on commercial whaling is a major mismanagement of marine resources and is based on factors other than science. Spokespeople maintain that whaling nations seek to harvest only those species considered to be abundant like the minke whale. Species considered rare and endangered like the humpback and the right whale would remain protected if the IWC restrictions were lifted. They claim they could engage in whaling and make no impact on the whale population.
Arguments against whaling
Every argument made in favour of continuation of commercial whaling is opposed by an equally legitimate argument. Whaling nations claim that they too should be given exemption from the IWC restrictions because communites like the Inuit are given exemption. The difference is that the Inuit rely on non-commercial level of whaling as a means of food simply for their survival. Reports show that increased hunting by the native coastal communities of Greenland has dramatically reduced the stocks of beluga whales since 1981. From these statistics it is clear that even small-scale hunting can impact whale populations and therefore must be properly controlled.
Opposite to the argument that whale stocks are increasing to exploitable levels, experts indicate the effects of past whaling are still limiting populations. The North Atlantic right whale, the most endangered species of large whale in the world, has barely recovered since the end of commercial whaling and the number of the right whale is a mere 300. is It is predicted this species will become extinct within 200 years. Molecular genetic monitoring of whale meat samples in the Japanese markets has shown that protected whale species are being sold for human consumption. Because of evidence like this, authorities are almost positive illegal hunting is continuing despite international agreements protecting these species.
Australia argues that the hunting technique is cruel and inhumane. This view is proven on the websites of many international animal welfare and conservation organisations. Whales have been hunted for centuries using traditional harpoon methods that result in a slow death and presumably associated suffering. Research is being conducted into new killing techniques that may reduce the suffering of harvested whales. Investigations were done on a killing technique involving electric lances. They wre used in Japanese whaling operations and provided a secondary method of slaughter (after harpooning). Results showed that the electrical densities used are ineffective in causing permanent dysfuntion and could cause additional pain and suffering to an already distressed animal. A different investigation was launched to conclude efficientcy and humaneness of slaughter techniques used in Japan and other whaling countries that used a grenade-headed harpoon. Results show in Japanese operations only 30% of whales were killed immediately and 70% were wounded. More than six minutes passed before 50% of whales were pronounced dead, with some animals surviving more than an hour after being harpooned. An argument against whaling can be made on the grounds alone that current slaughter methods are ineffective and cause inhumane suffering.
Conclusion
The issue of whaling is complicated and politically charged, where their is a large number of interests and opinions to be considered. Arguments for whaling are based on many things. It includes economic and political factors, sovereign rights, cultural traditions, international law and policy, and concerns for animal welfare. Australia and Japan have a precious relationship on many different fronts. The relations we have give benefit to both sides and one can only hope that disagreements on certain issuse will not tarnish the relationship.