cultural whaling

Cultural whaling refers to the practice of hunting whales as part of traditional customs, rituals, or cultural identity of certain indigenous communities. These communities often rely on whales for subsistence, spiritual practices, and cultural preservation, with regulations in place to ensure sustainable hunting levels. While commercial whaling has largely been restricted, cultural whaling is recognized in international agreements, allowing specific groups to continue traditional practices. The debate surrounding cultural whaling involves balancing respect for indigenous cultures and their heritage with conservation efforts aimed at protecting whale populations worldwide.