Freakonomics – Extra: A Modern Whaler Speaks Up

Intro

In this episode of the Freakonomics podcast, titled “Extra: A Modern Whaler Speaks Up,” Bjorn Anderson, a Norwegian whaler, shares his perspective on the controversial practice of whale hunting. Anderson discusses the importance of maintaining the supply of fish, the role of whales in balancing ecosystems, and the future of whaling. He also addresses the concerns of environmental activists and the cultural significance of whaling in Norway.

Main Takeaways

The Future of Whaling

• Modern whaling is not as prevalent as it once was, with only three countries (Norway, Iceland, and Japan) still engaging in commercial whaling.
• Bjorn Anderson, a Norwegian whaler, harvests Minka whales, which are not endangered, and only takes about half of the allowed quota each year due to distribution and demand issues.
• Anderson believes that whale hunting is important for maintaining the supply of fish and predicts that there will be more whale hunting in the future.
• Regulation and sustainability are necessary for hunting to prevent harm to whale populations.

Environmental Impact

• Whales help balance the ecosystem and allow for more fish to be caught.
• Hundreds of thousands of whales die every year from pollution and boat strikes.
• Understanding nature is key to moral hunting practices.
• Plastic pollution, global warming, and petroleum are also important environmental issues to address.

Norwegian Whaling Culture

• Coastal people in Norway are passionate about the culture and know-how of whaling.
• Young crew members learn to catch whale or fish and need to have a good interest in what they are doing.
• Crew members use their eyes to spot whales and birds to locate them.
• Minkawhales breach every 3-5 minutes and blow 3 times.

Economic Factors

• The demand for whale meat and oil is low, leading to a surplus of allowed quota for whale hunting.
• The price of whale meat has been increasing, but not at the speed that whalers desire.
• All fisheries in Norway have a guaranteed minimum price for their catch, regulated by law.
• The minimum price is useful in case of price drops, but the catch is often sold for more.

Summary

The Future of Whaling

Despite the decline in commercial whaling, Bjorn Anderson believes that whale hunting is necessary for maintaining the supply of fish. He focuses on harvesting Minka whales, which are not endangered, and only takes about half of the allowed quota each year. Anderson predicts that whale hunting will increase in the future, but emphasizes the importance of regulation and sustainability to prevent harm to whale populations.

Environmental Impact

Whales play a crucial role in balancing ecosystems and allowing for more fish to be caught. However, pollution and boat strikes result in the death of hundreds of thousands of whales each year. Anderson highlights the need to address plastic pollution, global warming, and petroleum as important environmental issues. He also emphasizes the importance of understanding nature for moral hunting practices.

Norwegian Whaling Culture

Whaling holds cultural significance for coastal people in Norway. Young crew members learn the skills of catching whales and fish, relying on their interest and observation skills to locate the animals. Anderson shares interesting facts about Minkawhales, such as their breaching patterns and blowing frequency. He highlights the passion and knowledge that coastal communities have for whaling.

Economic Factors

The demand for whale meat and oil is low, resulting in a surplus of allowed quota for whale hunting. Although the price of whale meat has been increasing, it is not rising at the desired speed for whalers. All fisheries in Norway have a guaranteed minimum price for their catch, providing some stability in case of price drops. However, the catch is often sold for more than the minimum price.

Conclusion

Bjorn Anderson’s perspective as a modern whaler sheds light on the complex issues surrounding whale hunting. While environmental concerns and activism are important, he argues that whaling is necessary for maintaining the balance of ecosystems and ensuring a sufficient supply of fish. The future of whaling in Norway remains uncertain, but Anderson believes it will continue to exist and potentially increase in the coming years.