Freakonomics – 550. Why Do People Still Hunt Whales?

Intro

In this episode of Freakonomics, titled “Why Do People Still Hunt Whales?”, the hosts explore the reasons behind the continued practice of whale hunting in certain countries. They delve into the historical, economic, cultural, and environmental factors that contribute to the persistence of this controversial industry. Through interviews with experts and activists, they shed light on the complexities surrounding the issue of whaling.

Main Takeaways

Whaling Today

• Norway, Japan, and Iceland are the only countries where commercial whaling is still practiced.
• Whale hunting was once a substantial part of the Norwegian economy, but today only about a dozen whaling ships take around 500 whales a year.
• The declining demand for whale meat and oil has not stopped whaling in Norway, as there is still interest in the industry.
• Whales are still hunted by indigenous groups in various countries, but whale products typically aren’t sold on the open market.

Historical Context

• The American whaling industry collapsed in the late 19th century due to the rise of fossil fuels and electricity, as well as better-paying and safer jobs.
• The Norwegian whaling industry innovated with floating factories and smaller ships to process whale oil.
• Norwegians hunted in Antarctica, offering a new supply of bigger whales, such as humpback and blue whales, that Americans couldn’t touch.
• Japan has a long history of using whales for various purposes, including fertilizer and musical instruments.

The International Whaling Commission (IWC)

• The International Whaling Commission enforces a global moratorium on commercial whaling, but Norway, Japan, and Iceland do not abide by it.
• Norway is the largest commercial whaler and claims their hunting is sustainable.
• Indigenous hunting is considered sustainable by the International Whaling Commission.
• The establishment of the International Whaling Commission in 1946 was an attempt to regulate how many whales could be killed, but it had unintended consequences.

Shifting Public Perception

• The release of the album “Songs of the Humpback Whale” in 1970 shifted public thinking towards whales by showing the complexities of their behavior.
• Paul Watson’s intervention against the Soviet whaling fleet in 1975 led to his lifelong ambition to eradicate whaling from the planet.
• Judy Collins recorded a traditional whale hunting song with backing vocals by humpbacks, leading to the US banning commercial whaling and the launch of Greenpeace’s Save the Whales movement.
• The rise of pro-whale sentiment fit in with the conservation movement and the value of clean air and water becoming more important.

Current Challenges and Perspectives

• Japan is concerned about the success of ending whaling and its potential impact on other parts of their fisheries industry, particularly tuna.
• The arguments against whaling are mostly moral, not economic or environmental.
• Offshore wind farms, noise pollution, and fishing nets pose dangers to whales.
• The overall amount of whale meat consumed, even in Japan, is very small.

Summary

Whaling Today

While commercial whaling is banned globally, Norway, Japan, and Iceland continue the practice. Norway, being the largest commercial whaler, justifies its hunting as sustainable. Indigenous groups in various countries still hunt whales, but their products are not sold on the open market due to cultural practices. The declining demand for whale meat and oil has not deterred whaling in Norway, indicating an enduring interest in the industry.

Historical Context

The collapse of the American whaling industry in the late 19th century was driven by the emergence of fossil fuels and electricity, as well as better employment opportunities. The Norwegian whaling industry, on the other hand, embraced innovations like floating factories and smaller ships to process whale oil. Norway’s hunting expeditions in Antarctica provided access to larger whales that were out of reach for American whalers. Japan has a long history of utilizing whales for various purposes.

The International Whaling Commission (IWC)

The International Whaling Commission enforces a global moratorium on commercial whaling, but Norway, Japan, and Iceland do not comply with it. Norway claims its hunting practices are sustainable, while the IWC recognizes indigenous hunting as sustainable. The establishment of the IWC aimed to regulate whale hunting, but unintended consequences, such as the “Whaling Olympics,” arose.

Shifting Public Perception

The release of the album “Songs of the Humpback Whale” in 1970 played a significant role in changing public perception of whales by showcasing their complex behavior. Paul Watson’s intervention against the Soviet whaling fleet fueled his commitment to eradicating whaling. Judy Collins’ recording of a traditional whale hunting song contributed to the US banning commercial whaling and the emergence of the Save the Whales movement. The growing pro-whale sentiment aligned with the conservation movement’s focus on clean air and water.

Current Challenges and Perspectives

Japan is concerned about the potential impact of ending whaling on other sectors of its fisheries industry, particularly tuna. The arguments against whaling primarily revolve around moral considerations rather than economic or environmental factors. Offshore wind farms, noise pollution, and fishing nets pose threats to whales. Despite the small overall consumption of whale meat, support for whaling exists across the political spectrum in Japan.

Conclusion

The practice of whale hunting continues in countries like Norway, Japan, and Iceland, despite a global ban on commercial whaling. Historical, cultural, economic, and environmental factors contribute to the persistence of this controversial industry. Shifting public perception, driven by efforts such as the “Songs of the Humpback Whale” album and activism by individuals like Paul Watson, has played a role in challenging the practice. However, challenges remain, including concerns about the impact on other fisheries industries and the dangers faced by whales from human activities. The debate surrounding whaling encompasses complex ethical, cultural, and environmental considerations.