Food for thought: Whale meat is bad for you

While many groups are concerned selectively with the conservation of whales from an animal rights standpoint, there is also a health incentive for not supporting the whaling industry.  Even if one cannot distinguish between slaughtering a whale for food and slaughtering a cow, the nutritional benefits of whale meat come at a heavy price. Most whale fat and protein contains toxins which have accumulated from eating krill and fish that are exposed to chemicals.
According to Greenpeace the market for whale meat in Japan is only about 4,000 tons annually despite it being one of the largest consumers of whale meat in the world.  Most of this is bought through the national scientific whaling program and consumed as sashimi (raw sushi).  While this is only a small portion of the nation’s seafood consumption  per capita (about .05 percent) in other regions where aboriginal whaling takes place in Russia, Canada, the Caribbean and Australia it can be a source of essential protein.  Unfortunately, human dumping of chemicals, run off from fertilizers in crops, and other sources of ocean contamination are absorbed by creatures on the bottom of the food chain.  Over time, through the process of bio-magnification, the toxins that might only exist at small levels in fish and krill, accumulate until the reach toxic levels as whales consume large quantities of those animals.  When this occurs, whenever a person eats whale meat or blubber, they are taking the risk of consuming a very toxic amount of dioxins, polyflourinated biphenyl (PCB, which is a component of many modern chemicals and materials) and methyl mercury.  For more explicit information on this visit the link to the health and human services page about whale meat consumption and toxins.
In large quantities this whale meat and blubber has been known to cause congenital defects in children and could possibly lead to mercury poisoning and kidney disease.  In a report covering a study of whale meat collected throughout Japan in 2003, the amount of mercury exceeded the national health limit in every case of collection.
Bio magnification does not just occur in ocean populations, it takes place in many different animal populations and is a testament to the impact humans have made on their environment.  Currently Iceland is looking to expand into the Japanese whale meat market by killing an additional 150 whales a year.  This is being done out of economic desperation, as Iceland went bankrupt in 2007 during the onset of the financial crisis.  In reality the Japanese whaling market is shrinking, and there will be no capacity for additional imports of whale meat.  Younger generations of Japanese do not eat whale meat, whale meat is not distributed widely by the largest supermarkets in Japan and it is not safe for human consumption.  Yet because people can sell whale meat at a high price, there is always a lure to enter the whaling market.
By participating in anti-whaling campaigns, encouraging whale watching, and making the health hazards of whale meat publicly available it discourages the entrance of new whalers into the whaling market.  If the number of whales imported into Japan goes up, and the cost of whale meat goes down, it may encourage more people to consume it because there is a myth that whale meat is healthy for you.  The truth is that whale meat is simply not safe to eat anymore, and the killing of whales for food should not be accepted unless a person has no other dietary alternative.  Even in those cases of aboriginal whaling, the native whalers are feeling the effects of the toxins that have begun to encroach on the source of their diet.  It may be that even in preventing whaling for the benefit of the whales, we may be benefiting ourselves by an even greater degree.

Why Countries Continue Whaling?

Although many whales are endangered, countries such as Norway, Iceland, and Japan continue whaling for economical benefits, and in Japan, its main excuse has been for tradition and.

Economical Benefit

All of the countries listed above definitely have interest in the economical benefits of whaling. In recent studies, adult minke whale meat could result in $100,000 and each country has attempted to increase the quota for whaling, further harming the endangered species population. Also, it appears countries such as Iceland and Norway have increased their whaling quota to ship and sell whale meat to Japan. Reports show these countries increased their Whaling activities to profit from the Japanese demand. Iceland has stated that commercial whaling is sustainable in its region. I guess they don’t understand the meaning, endangered species, so we will spell it out for them.

Definition of Endangered Species - it is a population of organisms which is at risk of becoming extinct because it is either few in numbers, or threatened by changing environmental or predation parameters.

I hope we have cleared any misunderstandings.

STUPID Tradition in Japan

Photo provided by www.greenpeace.org

Japan has provided many excuses why it continues whaling but none truly justify the continued attacks on these endangered mammals.

Japan uses the research loophole in the International Whaling Commission moratorium that was established in 1986. But “research” is only a method in disguising its commercial whaling industry. It also uses tradition as an excuse to continue hunting and consuming whales. Japan believes that because they have a long history of whaling it should be an exception to the rules but the IWC continues to warn the Japanese about potential harm by continuing to whale these endangered cetaceans. Recently, studies have found that there is a minimal market for whale meat and Japan has a stockpile that will never be used or are contaminated and unable to be consumed.  Even today, whaling for consumption can be harmful due to the slow digestion period and large amount of contamination in the blubber and meat of the animals in response to the slow digestion. 

According to a study performed by Nippon Research Centre.

“In a recent opinion poll by the Nippon Research Centre, 69% of Japanese people said they do not support the government whaling on the high seas, including the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary,” said Junichi Sato, Greenpeace Japan Whales campaign coordinator. “It is also no surprise that there are massive stockpiles of whale meat, when the same survey shows that 95% of people never or have rarely eaten whale meat. It is time for all governments to make a commitment to the whales and not an outdated, unwanted and pointless industry,” Sato added.

Save the Whales understand Japan has a long history of whaling but our plea to Japan is to make it history and stop whaling immediately.  The demand for whale meat does not exceed the effects it has on our ecosystem if the whales were to ever become extinct. Your actions have a snowball effect that could effect the whole world.  Many mothers have been killed and as a result their offspring have been killed further harming the species.   

For countries such as Norway and Iceland, Save the Whales demand you end contributing to the Japanese industries and stop whaling effective immediately.    

Bycatching – The newest form of illegally killing whales

During the past few years it has been estimated that, 1,000 cetaceans die each day due to bycatching. It is the leading threat to the survival of the world’s 80-plus species of whales, dolphins and porpoises. 

What is Bycatching?

Bycatching is the use of fishing gear like gillnets, tangle nets, trammel nets, trawl nets and long lines, that catches the unintended species. In most cases this is in result of the animal accidentally swimming into the fishing gear, becoming entangled and later suffocating to death.

Below is an informative video that brings awareness to the dangers of bycatching to whales and other sea creatures.

How is Bycatching being used to hunt Whales?

Recently, the Japanese have seen a sudden increase in “incidental” bycatching of whales, which has caused alarm in many conservation groups. Using net like fishing gear is the most cost effective and easiest way to fish and is known to catch many types of fish intentionally or unintentionally. The Japanese have reported bycatching incidents at around 19 whales a year. Scientist were able to perform DNA testing of whale meat in Japanese markets and found that number to be extremely inaccurate and have concluded that approximately 150 whales came from the coastal population and were killed as a result of bycatching. That is about half of the total amount of whales caught and killed by the Japanese.  The other 150 whales killed are reported through their unlawful and unethical “scientific whaling” program. 

Why are the Japanese using bycatching as a tactic in killing whales?

Japan has a very lucrative market for whale meat. It has been noted that adult minke whale meat could reach a wholesale price of $100,000, making this a very profitable tactic to kill and slaughter innocent whales.  Also, it should be noted, Japan is the only country that allows the sale and distribution of whales caught by bycatching, most likely due to the demand for whale-meat in its culture. 

What are the effects of bycatching on cetaceans?

Most cetaceans caught in fishing gear usually suffocate and die, and those that are able to get free, suffer severe damage. Damages can range from scars and damaged fins to dragging pieces of the netting that is embedded in their skin, making it difficult to swim.  Injuries from the netting could reach as deep as the bone.  Cetaceans that get caught in fishing nets are likely to be injured and die a slow and painful death regardless if they are freed or not.

It is important to regulate or ban the use of fishing nets.  Bycatching is proven to be harmful to our most endangered cetacean species, which could be fully extinct in a couple decades if not monitored.  To learn more about bycatching click here.

Observing Humpback Whales

Whale watching is becoming an increasingly popular activity, allowing on-lookers to become more aware of these stunning animals in their natural environments. One of the more popular populations of whales to observe is that of the Humpback whale. They can be observed along the coasts of the United States, canada and Australia. Humpbacks are naturally curious, resulting in more of an up-close encounter for some watchers. Humpack whales can be seen breaching, which is jumping out of the water. When Humpbacks breach, they get almost two-thirds of their bodies completely out of the water, then slap their backs on the surface.

more about “Humpback Whales Breaching“, posted with vodpod

In addition to breaching, Humpbacks are also known for their “whale song”. This communication tool is thought to be used as a way to keep migrating groups of whales together. These songs last on average about 10-20 minutes, but some Humpbacks have been observed singing for up to 24 hours.

Before whaling regulations in 1966, Humbacks were almost hunted to extinction.  It was estimated that the Humpack whale population fell by almost 90%. There has been some recovery to their numbers, but the Humpbacks still face other dangers to their existence. Due to the growing interest to observe Humpbacks, regulations have been designed to ensure that whale watching does not become one of their many threats. In 2008,  Humpback whales moved from ‘vulnerable’ to ‘least concern’ in their conservation status.

Minimize speed/”No wake” speed

Avoid sudden turns

Minimize noise

Do not pursue, encircle or come in between whales

Approach animals from angles where they will not be taken by surprise

Consider cumulative impact – minimize number of boats at any one time/per day

Avoid stressing a mother whale with her infant present

Though Humpback whales have made a come back, it should not be forgotten that they still need our protection from the threats we create. We need to ensure that there population can continue to grow, and that we are able to always see these fascinating creatures. For more information about whales and whale watching, visit WhaleWatch.com

Whales Need Their Peace and Quiet Too

 We constantly hear about threats to marine life, like oil spills and fishing practices and climate change… but one of the less obvious threats to whales is noise pollution. Yes, not only are we polluting our air, ground and water sources with trash and chemicals, but you can now add noise to our ever-growing list of wrong-doings to the environment.

 Many things are interfering with whale communication including sonar, engines and propellers, explosions and gun firing. And it is not only their communication that is being disrupted, but also their ability to find food. These noises hinder hunting techniques that often rely on high or low-frequency clicks or sounds.

 One of the more astonishing effects of noise pollution on whale populations is something that most of us would have assumed they had immunity to: the bends. Sonar testing performed by military ships is disturbing the diving patters of whales, causing a condition much like when humans surface from lower depths of water too quickly. In an extensive New York Times article discussing whales from their history to their threats, I learned more about this phenomenon. After a number of unexplained beached whales were turning up off the coasts of Brazil, Japan, Canary Islands and a number of other places, research was conducted and some similarities appeared among the cases. Proof of bleeding around the brain and ears, lesions in livers, lungs and kidneys, and nitrogen bubbles in their organs all aided more than 100 scientists to sign a statement that there is overwhelming evidence of the association between sonar and whale deaths.

 So what can be done to limit our noise in the waters? Many conservation groups are asking that the military restrict their sonar usage and that other oil companies limit their gun use for exploration. But the real dilemma lies in the fact that most of the noise pollution is driven by practices that are fueling our economy. Gas companies care much more about their profit margins than they do about making noise in the ocean. While the extent of this problem is still largely unknown, can we really wait to address this problem?

So called “scientific whaling” is nothing more than commercial whaling

In 1986 the International whaling commission put a moratorium on all commercial whaling.  There are however, some conditions under which whales may still be killed, including aboriginal whaling.  While aboriginal whaling is used as a means to provide nutrition for aboriginal people, many countries have determined that they too, are entitled to whaling rights outside of the authority of the IWC.  Two countries in specific fall into this category-Norway and Japan.
According to the IWC Norway contends it has the right to issue commercial whaling permits inside of its own waters.  Norway and Japan also issue their own “scientific” whaling permits.  Their so-called “scientific experiments” are supposedly designed to determine if whales are impinging on commercial fisheries, eating fish that are consumed by humans.  While whale research is important, the scientific reason purported by the Japanese and Norwegians for killing whales are ridiculous.  Not only is it proven that most whales in Antarctic waters (where most of the “scientific” whaling occurs) eat an exclusive diet of krill, but there is absolutely no reason to kill a whale to find the contents of its stomach or take measurements.  Even DNA analysis can be done with remote tissue sample collection devices.  The content of a whales diet is easily examined via feces, and bodily measurements are of no real consequence.
While the IWC does attempt to enforce the moratorium, there is frightening increase in the number of people pursuing whaling.  Virtually every year that has passed since the institution of the ban, the number of recorded whales has increased.  In 1987, 185 whales were caught and killed, in 2007 951 whales were caught and killed.  Iceland plans to catch an additional 500 whales over the next two years for further “research”, though the IWC has reviewed its research program and concluded that not only is it poorly designed, but produces  no data of any conceivable use.
Over the years that Japan has released its “data” about the whales it has caught and killed, there has been a complete disregard to accurate scientific analysis.  Not only is their “data” incomplete and jarringly sparse, but it always ends with the conclusion that more whales must be caught to yield better more definitive data.  The irony is that Japan has even proposed shutting down its own research, in exchange for the right to commercially catch 500 whales annually in its own region.  The market for whale and dolphin meat in Japan is still lucrative, even if it is diminishing.
What’s more is that the process of whaling is virtual torture.  In February 2008 footage taken by the Australian newspaper, The Daily Telegraph showed a Japanese whaling vessel killed a mother Minke whale and her one-year old baby calf.  To do this quickly they used harpoons packed with explosives.  The two whales were then carved up, and their meat packaged and sealed away.

Source The Daily Telegraph

While the IWC and other governments can enforce international anti-whaling law in whale sanctuaries and in nations where whaling is forbidden, they cannot prevent whaling in non-sanctuary sites or along coasts.  As these animals are highly migratory, any location in the ocean that is open to whaling is a virtual buffet of slaughter.  The best weapon to fight the whaling agenda is to gather public sentiment against these murderers and then passing national laws to force out the whaling lobby for good.  By working with green peace, the IWC and other whaling conservation groups, you can have an impact by making a donation or signing a petition to send to governments that still allow whaling.

Save the Whales Empowers Children to Become Activists

 

image provided by STW

 

At only 14 years old, Maris Sidenstecker came to the realization that whales were very similar to humans. They care for their babies, they speak their own language and they have self-awareness just like we do. After reading an article about a pregnant beached whale that suffered for days before dying, she decided to do something to help the whales. Of course, it was 1977 and her Save the Whales foundation was able to be kick-started with a simple t-shirt campaign. For over 30 years, STW has worked to protect not only whales, but also marine life in general.

 STW works to educate the public about the marine life and how their actions can promote or hinder all typed of changes. It only makes sense that because Maris was a child herself when she established the organization that STW fully believes that children should be educated about the ocean environment and empowered to become activists. Save the Whales believes that “education is the key to saving whales, oceans and ourselves”.

 STW has implanted many programs and campaigns to facilitate this mission of knowledge and empowerment. Over the years, they have been successful in their efforts to spread education, bring awareness and stop harmful activities which impact the whales.

•  Whales on Wheels, designed to specifically to reach out to children, is a hands-on program taught by marine biologists who travel across the country to schools.
• BWET is another program where students are engaged and educated about how they can make a difference in the cause to save the whales. For nine months, students get out of the class room and into their local water environments to learn through hands-on experiences about marine life.

 STW wants you to become educated and spread the word to all of your friends and family about the importance of conserving marine life, especially the whales. What do you think? Are children as important in this cause as Save the Whales claims they are? So not only are children our future, but they are the future of the whales as well. For more information about what you can do to become involved, visit the Save the Whales website.

The WDCS at the Forefront of Whale Conservation

The Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society is an organization “dedicated to the conservation and welfare of all whales, dolphins and porpoises (also known as cetaceans).”  Established over 20 years ago, the WDCS has six offices located around the world working to prevent illegal whaling and dolphin hunting.

Primarily a charity and advocacy group, the WDCS uses protective experiment and analysis to vouch for cetacean populations.  While whaling has been illegal since 1986, many countries do still attempt to get around the ban against whalers.  According to the WDCS, Iceland, Japan and Norway have illegally murdered over 30,000 whales since 1986, mainly through outright illegal activity or hunting near Antarctica for “scientific reasons.”  Unfortunately there is still a demand for whale and dolphin meat in several countries, despite their dwindling numbers in the wild.

The WDCS lobbies the International Whaling Commission that determines the status of whaling throughout the world.  Currently the WDCS is working hard on attempting to shutdown a partial lift of the whaling ban in Japan due to pressures form the government.  The WDCS is also attempting to define the law so that currently allowed “aboriginal whaling” is more enforceable.

There are numerous programs that the WDCS sponsors including whale adoption, banner website ads to contest whaling propaganda, and the creation of oceanic safety zones where whales can be protected against hunting and accidental death from human interaction.

Beyond fighting against the whaling agenda, the WDCS also attempt to mitigate the damage done to cetaceans through indirect human interaction.  Accidental ship kills, pollutant spills, affects of climate change and fishing are all under the watchful eye of the WDCS.  They also encourage and produce safe whale watching tours, as well as educational events and productions for the public.

After looking over the WDCS web sites I can say that I never fully understood the depth of whaling conservation.  I really had very little understanding of how threatened these species still were because of whaling.  Like most people I tend to think of whaling as a business that became obsolete a hundred or more years ago (from a Moby Dick point of view).  I figured that if whaling did occur, it was a rare activity, contained to maybe a few kills a year.  Current statistics however indicate that some 1,000-2,000 whales are being killed each year on average.  Like piracy, whaling is apparently having a comeback.

Beyond just whaling, whales and dolphins suffer terribly at the hands of human interaction.  Apparently sound waves created by industrial ships, underwater mining and submarines take a terrible toll on sea mammals.  Frequencies created by sonar and scanning the oceans for resources (as well as the sound pollution generated from extracting the resources) can kill whales.  Additionally when these animals come near ships that generate these frequencies, they are often killed accidentally when ships run into them as they breach the surface.

Even though many of these activities can be prevented, the governments of the world have very little compassion for the plight of whales.  Seen as an obstruction to economic development, the resources needed to reduce accidents, enforce whaling laws and confront the growing impact of climate change are seen as too great to be addressed.  In spite of overwhelming indifference, the WDCS struggles to achieve their goals.  They are to be commended.  Should whales escape extinction, it will be because of the efforts of this heroic group of individuals.

for links to the WDCS and other organizations associated with whale conservancy go to:

http://delicious.com/eric_hill

In the Front Lines of the Antarctic

Image provided by www.seashepherd.org

Imagine, being on a 174ft shipping vessel in the middle of Antarctica with only your crew and no assistance in sight, you are hunting down a Japanese Whaling fleet only to know your ship cannot handle the iceberg terrain that is around you everyday at all times. What would you do?

This is just an example of a scenario encountered by the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society (SSCS) shipping vessel, the Steve Irwin, while on a mission to end the unlawful killings of whales and protect the endangered mammal species. The SSCS, a non-profit organization that has dedicates its whole existence “to end the destruction of habitat and slaughter of wildlife in the world’s oceans in order to conserve and protect ecosystems and species.”

Most notably known for its popular cable television series Whale Wars on Animal Planet, the Sea Shepherd’s track down illegal whaling fleets in response to a 1986 moratorium ban on all commercial whaling by the International Whaling Commission (IWC). The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society believes the  Japanese have intentionally disregarded this the moratorium and continue to kill thousands of whales, due to a loop-hole in the moratorium, which allows whaling for research purposes only. Nations around the world have argued that the Japanese have not performed any relevant research but continue to intentionally kill innocent whales for the sake of profit and a long standing Japanese tradition.

The Sea Shepherds, considered international pirates to those who continue to slaughter whales, use non-harmful, conventional tactics to confront these whaling fleets in an effort to save innocent whales. The most notable tactics used have been butyric acid, also known as a stink bomb, and prop fouler. The butyric acid is used to make fishing unbearable due to the smell left behind and to contaminate whaling meat. Prop Fowlers are “long strands of rope, steel cables, and buoys that would slip under her hull and catch and tangle her propeller.” They are used to slow or disable the shipping vessels, which stops them from hunting and killing whales but the most effective method of stopping the whaling fleet has been chasing these vessels. If the Japanese fleet attempts to flee the Steve Irwin, they are not capable of hunting whales thus saving whales from the hands of the Japanese.

The preservation of whales came to light in the 1960’s, while whale fishing was at its peak, countries such as Norway, Japan and the Soviet Union were heavy whalers and as time passed scientist began noticing the depletion of whale species and concern grew. The eco-impact of depleted whale species was unknown but concerns grew. “As whales were increasingly watched, filmed and studied, their high intelligence, rich social lives, and ability to feel emotion and experience pain became apparent.”

The importance to all that the preservation of whales is imperative to the sustainability of our eco-system. The unknown effects could be disastrous and could potentially effect us all. To learn more about the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society or support their efforts, please visit its website at www.seashepherd.org.