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Why Is It Important To Prevent International Whaling?

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December of this year marks the 70th anniversary of the International Whaling Commission (IWC). The IWC was established “to provide for the proper conservation of whale stocks and thus make possible the orderly development of the whaling industry.” Among the methods used to accomplish this purpose are setting catch limits, setting aside areas as whale sanctuaries and restricting hunting methods. (International Whaling Commission: History and Purpose, 2016)
In 1982 there was a moratorium put on commercial whaling which was to begin with the 1986 catch season. Both Norway and Japan have tried to get an exemption from this action by claiming that whaling is an important part of their culture. In fact, the reading says that they feel it is “an …show more content…

That does not mean that it should therefore be protected. There are many things that are considered cultural that have no place in the modern world. Culture is not a rigid, stagnant thing. It is always growing and changing. If things were to be allowed because of so called cultural heritage things like slavery and FGM. Yes, these practices still exist, but I think most people would agree that they are customs that need to be eliminated. Just because these whales are not endangered at present does not excuse slaughtering them when they are not essential to the wellbeing of the population. In fact there is an allowance for whaling that is considered essential to indigenous people called aboriginal subsistence whaling. For these populations whaling is an integral part of their culture and a vital way to meet their nutritional requirements. It is not considered commercial whaling as it is not done to maximize profits or catches. (Aboriginal Subsistence Whaling, 2016)
From my readings I would have to say that I do not believe such a moratorium is a violation of a nations sovereignty. In the case of Norway, for example, they simply rejected it and continue to whale as they please. I think that the current procedure for considering cultural exemptions is adequate. Perhaps there would be some benefit to an organization such as the WTO to be involved, but it seems that there is little that can be done in the way of enforcement. Without this type of option, I don’t see any way to stop these nations from doing as they

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