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Whaling originated by the Basques in 3000 BC. The Basques dominated the black market, selling whale oil (used in soaps, for lamp fuel and margarine) whale fat/blubber (used in the manufacture of soap, leather and make-ups) and meat, which soon spread to the North and South Atlantic.

 

In the late 19th century there was a high increase of demands for margarine and meat, which lead to whaling becoming a very popular method.

 

There are many whales still being hunted today. The Common and Antarctic Minke Whales are the most affected whale species to whaling, as they have a very inquisitive and friendly nature which is currently leading them to their deaths. The Fin Whale is another swift and highly hunted whale, which wasn’t affected by whaling until new faster and swifter whaling ships were made to overcome the fin whales speed. Sei Whales (another whale affected due to whaling) are terribly close to extinction due to the fact that they spend most of their lives feeding and swimming close to the surface, a very crucial habit. Humpback, Sperm and Pilot Whales are other species affected by whaling, although they aren’t as affected as other species they still are in danger.

 

Recently whaling has taken its toll, every year a massive amount of whales have their lives slaughtered, which is progressively moving to their extinction. The main countries still active in whaling processes are, the Faroe Islands (harvesting around 950 Long Finned Pilot Whales per year), Greenland (harvesting around 750 whales per year, primarily Minke and Fin Whales), Iceland (harvesting approximately 250, Minke Whales per year), Russia (harvesting approximately 140 Grey Whales per year), Alaska (harvesting approximately 50 Bowhead Whales each year) and Norway (harvesting around 500 Minke Whales per year). Other whaling countries also include: Japan, Canada, the Philippines, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Indonesia.

 

Written by Connor Matodes