Whaling in Antarctica

Whaling in Antarctica refers to the hunting of whales in the Southern Ocean, primarily by some countries for scientific research, though often criticized as commercial exploitation. Historically, it aimed to harvest whales for their oil, meat, and blubber, leading to drastic population declines. Today, international agreements like the International Whaling Commission (IWC) regulate or ban commercial whaling in Antarctic waters to protect whale species. However, disputes persist over certain hunts labeled as scientific research. Overall, Antarctic whaling is a contentious issue balancing conservation efforts, scientific research, and economic interests.