Research Whaling

Research whaling is a practice where some countries, notably Japan, conduct scientific investigations by catching whales under the guise of research. Historically, this involved killing whales to study their biology, behavior, and population dynamics. Critics argue it disguises commercial hunting to circumvent international bans on whale harvesting, as the meat from these hunts is often sold commercially. The practice raises ethical and conservation concerns, prompting international regulations like the International Whaling Commission's moratorium on commercial whaling, which seeks to protect whale populations while allowing limited, scientifically justified catches.