Table of Contents
Why we should kill whales?
Whale blubber provided energy and vitamins A, C and D, and whale meat is rich in niacin, iron and protein [source: Tevuk]. Every part of the mammal was eaten or used to light lamps and make tools and sleds. Consuming whale meat has also been woven into Japan’s history and culture.
What is the benefit of hunting whales?
Over a thousand whales are killed each year for their meat and body parts to be sold for commercial gain. Their oil, blubber, and cartilage are used in pharmaceuticals and health supplements. Whale meat is even used in pet food, or served to tourists as a ‘traditional dish’.
Why do we need whales?
Whales play a vital role in the marine ecosystem where they help provide at least half of the oxygen you breathe, combat climate change, and sustain fish stocks. Different species of whales feed on a range of marine creatures, including krill and fish, in the dark depths of the world’s oceans.
Are whales good for you?
Pilot whale meat contains 25 % protein, and it is high in iron, carnitine and vitamins A and B. The unsaturated fatty acids are of the type doctors recommend against cardiovascular disease. Research shows that in addition to the healthy nutrients in pilot whale meat and blubber, they also contain both mercury and PCBs.
Why are whales hunted?
Today, modern whaling is conducted primarily for meat in commercial whaling. Whales are also being killed in a misguided effort to reduce competition for fish, and several small cetaceans like smaller whales, dolphins, and porpoise species are hunted for the use as a bait to catch fish, especially sharks.
How are whales important to humans?
Whales are an important part of the marine food chain and play a huge role in maintaining the health of our oceans. These nutrients, particularly iron and nitrogen, are vital for phytoplankton, at the base of the food chain.
How can I stop whaling?
To become directly involved, you can adopt a whale through the World Wildlife Federation (WWF). Your donation will go directly to help organizations protect the species. Donate money. If you want to help indirectly, you can donate money directly to organizations designed to stop whaling.
Is whale safe to eat?
Like horse meat, for some cultures whale meat is taboo, or a food of last resort, e.g. in times of war, whereas in others it is a delicacy and a culinary centrepiece. Whale meat can be prepared in various ways, including salt-curing, which means that consumption is not necessarily restricted to coastal communities.