it’s about eliminating an endangered species
1. If you do some research you will learn that they are NOT allowed to hunt whales that are endangered.
2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Whaling_Commission
The IWC is the body goverening whaling…
In 1982 the IWC adopted a moratorium on commercial whaling. Currently, Japan, The Russian Federation and a number of other nations oppose this moratorium. The IWC allows non-zero whaling quotas for aboriginal subsistence and also member nations may issue ‘Scientific Permits’ to their citizens. Japan has issued such permits since 1986, Norway and Iceland whale under objection to the moratorium and issue their own quotas. In 1994, the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary was created by the IWC.[3][4]
The main duty of the IWC is to keep under review and revise as necessary the measures laid down in the Schedule to the Convention which govern the conduct of whaling throughout the world. These measures, among other things, provide for the complete protection of certain species; designate specified areas as whale sanctuaries; set limits on the numbers and size of whales which may be taken; prescribe open and closed seasons and areas for whaling; and prohibit the capture of suckling calves and female whales accompanied by calves. The compilation of catch reports and other statistical and biological records is also required.[4]
In addition, the Commission encourages, co-ordinates and funds whale research, publishes the results of scientific research and promotes studies into related matters such as the humaneness of the killing operations
In short, Only certain species can be hunted per quota, there is legality in research hunting, and so it seems perhaps only some nordic countries shirk the IWC as poachers.
I also LOVE how Aboriginals in my country, are allowed to hunt whales, per the IWC. But of course I’m not allowed to because my skin is the wrong colour. (But that’s a whole other issue, and lets not get political)
For the purpose of thier show, I wonder how come Sea Shepard isn’t declaring war on some of the tribes that hunt whales? And sinking thier boats? (The tribesmen use anti-tank guns and sonar to hunt the whales) I could support thier cause if they did that.
That said, should a television show be infringing on cultural rights to hunt? I wonder…
Fascinating! :P