illuminating science

Very positive news today, regarding whaling, with the Japanese losing a vote at the International Whaling Commission to restart commercial whaling (whale is a delicacy in Japan). All is not over, however, as there is still a vote to be had on “scientific” whaling, where whales are caught for scientific research, but as I understand it can still be eaten afterwards. Japan wants to increase the number of scientific catches each year.

Quite frankly, I’m appalled at some of the comments from Japanese spokespeople, such as MP Yoshimasa Hayashi who encourages other countries to “recognise cultural differences”:

“We would like to ask them to think about it in this way - that we agree to disagree,” he said.

“We are not asking them to eat whale, but we are asking them to understand that we have a eating way of culture and by some scientific management system we are trying to resume the commercial whaling.”

I’m very much in favour of being understanding and respectful of other cultures, but not at the expense of an entire species. If an animal is endangered, then that should be that - no questions asked, we do whatever is necessary to remove them from the endangered list. Hopefully, that doesn’t mean a dramatic change in lifestyle for us, but if it does, so be it.

In practice, that probably isn’t the case - but it’s great to see the Australian goverment getting out there and very actively campaigning against the resumption of whaling.