Europe to hunt more whales than Japan, figures show

[Simon]

The Guardian reports:

"Europe plans to hunt more whales than Japan for the first time in many years, dividing EU countries and dismaying conservationists who say that whaling is escalating in response to the worldwide recession.

Figures seen by the Guardian before a meeting of more than 80 countries next week, show that Norway, Denmark and Iceland propose to hunt 1,478 whales compared to Japan's 1,280 in 2009. This would be an increase of nearly 20% by Europe on last year.

"Europe likes to point the finger at Japan as a rogue whaling nation but Europeans are killing whales in increasing numbers in their own waters. Europe has become whale enemy number one", said Kate O'Connell, campaigner for the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (WDCS)."

http://www.guardian....ng-europe-japan

[supergirl]

"Whaling in Norway involves the hunting of the Minke whale for the purpose of using the whale meat for human consumption, generally in Northern Norway. This hunting has occurred since the early 20th Century, and some still continue the practice in the modern day."

Roughly 3,000 whales a year by Norway alone! This is a crazy figure. Has anyone found any petitions to sign in order to stop this?

How can we help?

[oraclemay]

These numbers seem to be exceptionally high! I can understand that we need to hunt, but not to make these creatures extinct! There must be petitions online, if you do a little research you are bound to find some. We should do everything possible to save these beautiful creatures.

[shilpa]

It is really sad and frustrating that no mater what they talk about doing the number of whales keep decreasing every single day. Whales are now a declining species and yet people do not understand that very well. I guess, the only time they will realize that the whales are declining is when they become extinct. By then, it will be too late for anything and they would helpless.