Japan’s Fisheries Agency has proposed the inclusion of fin whales in its commercial whaling activities, a significant change from its current practice of hunting three smaller species. This move comes after Japan resumed commercial whaling in its exclusive economic zone in 2019, following its departure from the International Whaling Commission.
Revisiting a Controversial Tradition
Japan’s return to commercial whaling ended a 30-year period of what was termed “research whaling,” a practice internationally criticized and seen as a cover for commercial hunting. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi has defended the cultural importance of whaling in Japan, advocating for the sustainable use of whales as a food resource.
Public Consultation and Environmental Assessments
The agency is seeking public input on this proposal until June 5, with a review meeting scheduled for mid-June. They cite extensive surveys indicating the North Pacific fin whale population’s recovery as justification for their inclusion in commercial quotas.
Cultural Significance vs. Global Conservation
The proposal does not aim to significantly increase whale meat supply, and no specific quota will be set for fin whales. Japan’s historical reliance on whale meat as a post-war protein source has diminished over time, with current consumption at around 2,000 tons annually. Yet, some locals, like Hideyuki Saito, wish for a revival of whale meat’s popularity.
International Concerns and Innovations
Internationally, whaling remains contentious, especially regarding fin whales. Critics like Shirley Bosworth from Australia emphasize the need to protect these animals. Meanwhile, Kyodo Senpaku Co., a leading whaling company, is innovating with whale meat vending machines and a new mother ship, asserting a commitment to sustainable practices.
The Future of Whaling in Japan
As Japan weighs its cultural heritage against global conservation efforts, the debate over traditional practices and ecological sustainability continues. The inclusion of fin whales in commercial hunting reflects Japan’s struggle to balance respect for its past with modern conservation realities.
Japan’s proposal to include fin whales in commercial hunts is a complex issue that intertwines tradition, taste, and technology with conservation and international opinion, highlighting the delicate balance between cultural practices and environmental stewardship.
