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Japanese Whaling
by tig3933 on 23 December 2000 @ 06:54 AM

Whales are at the top of the food chain. It's been documented that dioxins and other toxins are highly prevalent in the meat and especially the blubber of whale meat. Not to mention that up to 40% of whale meat sold in Japan is actually dolphin meat from those caught in nets. Living in Japan, of course I have tried whale meat and blubber (quite good actually) but have stopped after learning the facts. I think limited hunting for traditional tribes (Eskimo, etc.) should be allowed and that Japan should be strictly limited in it's whale "research" but a total ban would probably not be realistic at this point. Other fishery problems exist that are more pressing to the needs of the world population. Just because Americans would be satisfied eating beef and chicken 7 days a week doesn't mean we should ignore the needs of cultures that depend upon the sea. A realistic compromise is a better goal than abolishing whaling in total. Open and limited hunting may be the only solution. Open meaning that the Japanese government admit that it is hunting for the sole purpose of appeasing a limited domestic demand for whale meat.


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Re: Japanese Whaling
by Jazz on 29 December 2000 @ 09:25 AM
I believe there is another important issue that you didn't mention here. I agree that cultural reasons are strong enough to keep whaling. However I think the main point of whaling is how the whales are being killed. If traditional killings made by the natives or whoever does them doesn't use mechanical, and technological advantages I don't see why to stop it, since that's a nature fight between especies. Just like the one that a cat does when he kills a rat (which no one of us complain about). But if we use radars, weapons, computers, etc. to kill them then we are being unfair and we are interrupting a natural cicle, which causes disbalance in nature and, of course, gives troubles to everyone.
Re: Japanese Whaling
by Bargle Snarf on 30 December 2000 @ 10:37 AM

The human race is pretty good at adpating. I don't think it is too much to ask everyone to stop killing whales. After all whales are threatened with EXTINCTION.

We shouldn't allow "indigenous" tribes to continue killing endangered animals either. This only gives Japan the excuse it needs. Besides, preserving their culture will be impossible if there are no whales left.

Finally, I don't think the human race is indigenous anywhere other than in Africa. From this continent we colonised the rest of the world. Therefore the habitats, plants and animals in the rest of the world have been there a lot longer than we have. So let's stop putting the cultures of "indigenous" people before the existance of other life.

Re: Japanese Whaling
by Wavey on 31 December 2000 @ 05:10 PM
I don't see anything wrong with indigious people killing an extremly small number of animals of any kind. What is wrong is the Japanese attitude to whaling.

Tig made some good points in his post and we should respect them whether or not we agree with him.

He makes some good points about other more pressing matters, the North Sea fishing industry is just about dead, for instance.

Yes, lets stop the Japanese from Whaling, but lets not forget the larger outlook too.
Re: Japanese Whaling
by Anonymous on 15 July 2003 @ 04:13 PM
I'm sick of that!
How can they eat a cute whale????Was that delicious?

The Fine Print: Comments and articles posted on this website are owned by the person who posted them and do not necessarily represent the views of Greenpeace.


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