Antarctic Whaling

Antarctic whaling refers to the hunting of whales in the Southern Ocean surrounding Antarctica. This practice became prominent in the 20th century, targeting various whale species for their meat and oil. Over time, many whale populations dramatically declined due to overharvesting. In response, the International Whaling Commission (IWC) imposed a global moratorium on commercial whaling in 1986, though some countries continue whaling under objections or for scientific research. The topic raises significant ethical, environmental, and conservation concerns, as whales play a crucial role in marine ecosystems. Efforts to protect these animals are ongoing in international discussions.