The situation involving the Sea Shepard boat Ady Gill and the Japanese security ship Shonan Maru 2, has been displayed over all types over media lately and is an issue of huge contention. Whoever you decide was at fault, it still brings up the issue of whaling.
Japan is not the only country who exploit the seas of one of the most beautiful creatures, whales, although they have the greatest demand. Norway re-entered commercial whaling in 1993, the government claimed that the whale meat was sold in Norway as a traditional part of Norwegian diet. The reality is that they are exporting the whale meat to Japan where prices paid for the meat is several times higher than in Norway, becuase there is actually little market for whale meat in Norway.
Iceland wants to increase their already sizeable quota of whales claiming it will create more jobs. In reality, it is simply becuase the ailing whaling industry in Norway wants to make more money from exporting more whale meat to Japan. This unfortunate decision will not be beneficial to Iceland or its economy, infact, whaling has created a negative dent in Iceland's reputation and identity. Even a small increase in tourists going to Iceland for whale watching will create and secure more jobs than whaling. Tourism and whale watching serve to promote the beauty of Iceland's environment, and will be worth more to the Icelandic economy than whaling ever will be.
If you would like more information on whaling, the myths of "scientifc research", and what you can do to help (Adopt A Whale!), check out http://www.savethewhalesagain.com/
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