- July 17, 2024
Japan's Departure from the IWC and the Resurgence of Commercial Whaling
In the wake of the powerful Netflix documentary Seaspiracy, which I highly recommend, I felt compelled to address a critical issue that has emerged in the realm of ocean conservation. Directed by British filmmaker Ali Tabrizi, Seaspiracy explores the devastating environmental impacts of fishing, and one of the most alarming revelations is Japan’s recent decision to resume commercial whaling following its withdrawal from the International Whaling Commission (IWC).
The IWC, established on December 2, 1946, was designed to conserve whale populations worldwide. Its mandate includes protecting certain whale species, designating whale sanctuaries, setting limits on the number and size of whales that can be hunted, regulating whaling seasons and areas, and prohibiting the capture of nursing calves and females with calves. Despite these measures, Japan’s whaling practices persisted under the guise of “scientific research,” with hundreds of whales being killed annually since the 1980s.
In 2018, Japan sought to reintroduce whaling under the pretext of sustainable quotas but was unsuccessful. Consequently, Japan withdrew from the IWC effective July 2019 and resumed commercial whaling with its first fleet setting sail on July 1, 2019. Japan was then permitted to hunt 227 whales commercially.
The question arises: Why hasn’t whaling been completely banned? The IWC’s ban was instituted due to the near-extinction of whale populations caused by excessive whaling in the early 20th century. The intent was for the ban to be permanent until whale populations could recover. However, countries with a history of whaling, including Norway, Iceland, and Japan, misunderstood the ban’s permanence. Whaling was only allowed for scientific research and indigenous subsistence purposes. Japan exploited the scientific research clause, killing between 200 and 1,200 whales annually to claim they were monitoring stocks and establishing quotas.
Despite ongoing protests and international pressure, Japan’s actions have continued unchecked. Numerous protests, both domestic and international, highlight the urgent need to address this issue. Yet, Japan’s exit from the IWC has created a significant challenge, leaving no robust mechanism to hold the country accountable.
Now, more than ever, we must raise our voices and advocate for the protection of whale populations. We need to spread awareness and support efforts to halt commercial whaling. Our collective action and persistent advocacy can make a difference. It is crucial to engage in conversations, support conservation organizations, and hold governments accountable to ensure the survival of these majestic creatures.
