Japan to resume Commercial Whaling in 2019

Are you thinking of an epic New Year resolution?Japan heads the other way with a shocking statement. Following an official statement released on 26th December, Japan has decided to return to commercial whaling to sustain local economy. The redrawing from the International Whaling Commission (IWC) gives Japan the option to hunt whales in territorial waters and exclusive economic zone in July 2019.

Commercial whaling was banned under a 1986 International Whaling Commission moratorium. But Japan has used a loophole to continue hunting whales legally since 1987 for what it claims is scientific research. The move to resume commercial whaling drew criticism from conservation groups and governments. "The declaration today is out of step with the international community, let alone the protection needed to safeguard the future of our oceans and these majestic creatures," said Sam Annesley, executive director at Greenpeace Japan 

Considering the depletion of wild fish species due to marine pollution and illegal fishing methods globally , Japan's decision to start whaling to shore up protein deficit underscores the need to protect marine ecology. With the oceans serving as the last waste repository system to over 8 billion people, food security threats pertaining to reduction in wild fish stock supply could cause world leaders to revert to unpopular policies. Do you trust the labelling on imported canned fish products? Have you been eating whales all this while? Can you think of a future where majestic creatures are killed for human survival? Nature has been providing humanity priceless nutritional and ecological services yet our relentless over exploitation could have a domino effect on the natural food chain.