Why Should The Alaskan Inuit Whaling Be Banned

1. I agree that Norway and Japan should be allowed to hunt non-endangered whales, but I don't believe it should be based on a cultural exemption; although it is part of these countries histories. Whether it be deeply rooted in these cultures or not, a country should not face opposition for hunting an animal in a sustainable and responsible way. If hunting these particular whales somehow had a negative effect on the environment or the economies of other countries then it should not be practiced, even if it is part of someone's culture.

2. I do think that the whaling ban is a violation of Norwegian and Japanese sovereignty. Chandler presents the idea behind the International Whaling Commission's ban in an article for Armstrong University (Chandler,

Norway and Japan hunt the Minke whale, which has healthy populations which are not affected by commercial whaling. Placing this moratorium on the hunt of this plentiful species is unnecessary and therefore a infringes upon the sovereignty of Norway and Japan.

3. In regards to cultural exemptions for whaling I consider the situation of the Alaskan Inuit whaling tradition as a good example. According to Chandler's article, the Inuit hunt the Bowhead whale, which is an endangered species. I think the example of the Inuit whaling issue is a good reference as to how cultural exemptions should be handled. The Inuit culture is closely associated with whaling as a means of sustenance and income, but in the 1970s the IWC (International Whaling Commission) banned the hunting of Bowhead whales, putting the Inuit people at the risk of

I define a cultural activity by a group of people, large or small, that have carried on a tradition for several generations. The tradition itself may have changed in some ways over the years, but the spirit or idea of the tradition remains unchanged.

5. Although the impact of the whaling ban effects only a very small percentage of each country's population, I did consider it in my decision. As the whaling operations of Norway and Japan are performed in a sustainable manner, I feel that it is an overreach of the IWC to impose these bans. Even if it only effects the livelihoods of a few, these people and their culture are important and under these circumstances these communities should be allowed to continue whaling.

6. As cited by Chandler's article, the IWC was started with the the international consensus that all whales are endangered, which is false. While certainly endangered species need to be protected, along with other environmental concerns considered, the facts need to be examined before a decision is made. International organizations should consider the impact of culture, economics, and national sovereignty before issuing something such a ban on whaling. As shown through the Inuit whaling situation, working with a local organization that understands the native culture and economic situation can lead to a satisfactory resolution for all parties. In these resolutions, it is important not only for the international organization to taking into account the local community