Greenpeace's Argument on the Whaling Issue

Greenpeace addresses the whaling issue from the viewpoint of protection of the ecosystem. There are about 80 species of whales and among them the large type of whales were extremely reduced by commercial whaling.

Whales are part of the complicated food chain of the marine ecosystem. They are the common heritage of mankind and migrate widely in the ocean; they do not belong to any one nation.

1. Greenpeace is opposed to commercial whaling.

Commercial enterprises must pursue profit. This threatens the future of whales; these species have a long gestation period and usually give birth only every one or two years to single calf that requires more than a year of maternal care before it can survive on its own. In fact, whale species targeted for commercial whaling have been depleted without exception and some have even been listed as endangered or vulnerable or low risk species in the red list of IUCN (International Union of Conservation for the Nature). There is a danger of poaching for these whale species that may have a serious impact on recovery of their populations. The result that commercial whaling causes is engraved on the history of mankind. Commercial whaling has never been carried out in a manner that is sustainable for whale populations and ocean ecosystem.

We must not repeat this history.

2. Greenpeace is opposed to Japan's "research" whaling.

Japan's "research" whaling is to fill up time until the memorandum can be lifted, and it is commercial whaling in disguise. Byproducts produced by this "research" whaling are used to keep the industry alive, hoping for a return of profit oriented commercial whaling.

Research should be done by non-lethal means.

3. Greenpeace is opposed to the RMS (Revised Management Scheme).

Any strict management system can be broken by an enterprise in pursuit of profit. Taking into account the precautionary principle, commercial whaling should not be resumed.

The whaling industry should be relegated to the past.