whaling history

Whaling has a long history that dates back thousands of years, as many cultures hunted whales for their meat, oil, and materials. In the 18th and 19th centuries, modern whaling emerged, driven by industrialization and demand for whale products, particularly whale oil for lighting and lubrication. This led to overfishing and a significant decline in whale populations. By the mid-20th century, conservation efforts began, including international bans on certain types of whaling. Today, many species remain endangered, and the practice is highly controversial, with ongoing debates about conservation, indigenous rights, and commercial whaling.