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Whaling is the practice of hunting and killing whales, traditionally for meat, whale oil or baleen. Modern whaling uses electric harpoons and massive ships designed to kill and transport the animals. Many modern vessels even hold factories onboard that process whales into the desired end products.
Whaling has existed since prehistoric times; Neolithic cave paintings depict it, and archaeological evidence suggests beached whales were scavenged in the Stone Age. Basques were the earliest people to practice commercial whaling, becoming noted experts in the process. After World War I, whalers began using factory ships instead of shore stations for processing and adopted more effective hunting weaponry.
In 1946, the International Whaling Commission was established by several nations to govern the practice of whaling to save declining whale populations. Forty years later, the IWC enacted a moratorium on commercial whaling. While synthetic materials have rendered many whale products obsolete, Iceland, Japan and Norway exploit loopholes in the ban to continue operating commercial whaling industries. Collectively, they kill more than 2,000 whales annually and export whale products internationally. (Photo: wdeon/Shutterstock.com)
Minke whales win a victory in Iceland
August 1, 2018, 1:58 p.m. by Noel Kirkpatrick
'Meet Us, Don't Eat Us' is now the law of the land.
Why did this blue whale swim into the Red Sea?
June 3, 2018, 4:49 p.m. by Bryan Nelson
The Red Sea isn't part of this species' normal range.
Japan seeks to restart 'scientific whaling' program amidst international backlash
September 16, 2014, 1:22 p.m. by Michael d'Estries
Australia and New Zealand are leading efforts to enforce an earlier court ruling that found Japan's whaling program to be more commercial than scientific.
Watch a whale lift two kayakers out of the ocean
July 24, 2014, 2:22 p.m. by Russell McLendon
A new video offers rare footage of a whale picking up a kayak — from the kayakers' perspective.
Could whale-watching replace whaling in Japan?
June 6, 2014, 4:24 p.m. by Russell McLendon
A new coalition of Japanese tour operators is trying to seize on the country's waning interest in killing wild cetaceans.
ICJ declares Japan's 'scientific whaling program' illegal
March 31, 2014, 10:19 a.m. by Michael d'Estries
International Court of Justice confirms what everyone has known all along: Japan is engaged in impermissible commercial whaling.
Humpbacks make a splash on World Whale Day
February 13, 2014, 11:50 a.m. by Jaymi Heimbuch
There's much to celebrate when it comes to the charismatic and graceful humpback whale. These beautiful behemoths almost didn't make it to the party.
Beer brewed with whale meat outrages conservationists
January 9, 2014, 10:37 p.m. by Bryan Nelson
The Icelandic beer is being sold with claims that it is "healthier," "high in protein," and that those who drink it will become "true Vikings."
Sea Shepherd locates whaling fleet within sanctuary
January 6, 2014, 1:34 p.m. by Michael d'Estries
Conservation group claims the Japanese have been hunting illegally within the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary.
Rare saber-toothed whale beached in Southern California
October 17, 2013, 11:11 a.m. by Melissa Breyer
Scientists will conduct an autopsy to try to solve the mystery behind the rare whale's death.
Why can't Russian belugas move to Atlanta?
August 7, 2013, 3:36 p.m. by Russell McLendon
The U.S. has denied the Georgia Aquarium's request to import 18 belugas from Russia, a landmark decision in the long-running debate over whales in captivity.
Knife-wielding diver saves rare whale [Video]
After spotting a North Atlantic right whale tangled in fishing lines near Virginia Beach, an angler swims to the rescue with his knife — and his video camera.
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