Why Do People Still Hunt Whales? (Update)

Key takeaways

The whaling industry has seen a significant decline in demand, yet a few countries like Norway, Japan, and Iceland still engage in whaling due to historical, cultural, and economic reasons.
Technological advancements, particularly in Norway, allowed for more effective whaling techniques, differentiating their practices from those of the 19th-century American whalers.
The establishment of the International Whaling Commission highlighted the need for regulation in response to declining whale populations, shifting focus from pro-whaling to conservation.
Cultural heritage plays a crucial role in the continuation of whaling practices in certain communities, even amidst global criticism and activism.
The future of whaling is uncertain as conservation movements grow stronger, posing challenges for traditional whaling industries.

Summary

The Complexity of Whaling

In this episode of Freakonomics Radio, Stephen Dubner delves into the complexities of whaling, featuring Björn Basberg, an economic historian. They discuss the decline of traditional whaling countries and how Norway, Japan, and Iceland continue the practice despite a significant drop in demand. The conversation highlights the historical context of whaling, its economic impact, and the motivations of these countries to maintain whaling practices, linking it to cultural and historical significance.

Technological Advancements in Whaling

A key theme explored is the technological advancements made in the whaling industry, particularly by Norway. The episode contrasts the primitive American whaling techniques of the 19th century with the industrial methods employed by the Norwegians, including steamships and explosive harpoons. This differentiation showcases how Norway emerged as a leader in modern whaling at a time when American interest waned.

Whale Populations and International Regulation

The episode addresses the drastic decrease in whale populations due to over-hunting, leading to the establishment of the International Whaling Commission (IWC) in 1946. Initially formed to control whaling practices, the IWC's role transitioned to advocating against commercial whaling. Significant discussion revolves around the ethical dimensions of whaling, the biology of whales, and how these facets have influenced policies and public perception.

Cultural Perspectives and Contemporary Challenges

The cultural significance of whaling in Japan and Norway is explored, shedding light on how local communities justify their practices in the face of international outcry. The episode captures differing viewpoints on whaling, from economic necessity to tradition, and how modern consumer attitudes and activism have pressured these industries, revealing a struggle between legacy and sustainability.

The Future of Whaling and Conservation

Looking towards the future, the podcast discusses the precarious status of the whaling industry amidst growing conservation efforts. It explores impending challenges such as offshore wind farms, noise pollution, and the continued hunt for whale meat. The episode culminates in speculating whether we may be entering a post-whaling era, while also recognizing the continuing debates surrounding marine conservation.

Show notes

For years, whale oil was used as lighting fuel, industrial lubricant, and the main ingredient in (yum!) margarine. Whale meat was also on a few menus. But today, demand for whale products is at a historic low. And yet some countries still have a whaling industry. We find out why. (Part 2 of “Everything You Never Knew About Whaling.”)

SOURCES:
- Jay Alabaster, doctoral student at Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism.
- Bjorn Basberg, professor emeritus of economic history at the Norwegian School of Economics.
- Eric Hilt, professor of economics at Wellesley College.
- Kate O’Connell, senior policy consultant for the marine life program at the Animal Welfare Institute.
- Paul Watson, environmental activist and founder of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society.

RESOURCES:
- “The Soviet Union Killed an Appalling Number of Whales. I Wanted to Know Why,” by Ryan Tucker Jones (Slate, 2022).
- “Behind the Smile: The Multi-Billion Dollar Dolphin Entertainment Industry,” by World Animal Protection (2019).
- “Japan to Resume Commercial Whaling, Defying International Ban,” by Daniel Victor (The New York Times, 2018).
- “Why Is There Not More Outrage About Japan’s Barbaric Practice of Whaling?” by Boris Johnson (The Telegraph, 2018).
- “Margarine Once Contained a Whole Lot More Whale,” by Sarah Laskow (Gastro Obscura, 2017).
- “3 Million Whales Were Killed in the 20th Century: Report,” (N.B.C. News, 2015).
- “The Spectacular Rise and Fall of U.S. Whaling: An Innovation Story,” by Derek Thompson (The Atlantic, 2012).
- In Pursuit of Leviathan: Technology, Institutions, Productivity, and Profits in American Whaling, 1816-1906, by Lance E. Davis, Robert E. Gallman, and Karin Gleiter (1997).
- “Norway Is Planning to Resume Whaling Despite World Ban,” by Craig R. Whitney (The New York Times, 1992).

EXTRAS:
- “The First Great American Industry,” by Freakonomics Radio (2023).

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