Really Japan, 'Scientific' Whaling? You're Not Fooling Anyone. : The Intersection

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Chris Mooney is a visiting associate in the Center for Collaborative History at Princeton University and the author of three books, The Republican War on Science, Storm World, and Unscientific America.

Sheril Kirshenbaum is a marine biologist and author at Duke University. Sometimes she's a classicist, radio jock, or congressional staffer. Never sure what's next, she continues to enjoy the journey. For more information, visit her website.

Really Japan, 'Scientific' Whaling? You're Not Fooling Anyone.

Category: Conservation
Posted on: November 20, 2007 1:58 PM, by Sheril R. Kirshenbaum

A Japanese fleet has instructions to kill 50 humpbacks - and 1,000 whales total - under the shroud of 'scientific whaling'.

Why should we care? Well it's estimated that there are about 10,000 humpbacks coursing about the planet now... low numbers considering we had 240,000 in the North Atlantic pre-whaling.

Ever notice how the actual term 'science' often appears in titles where the group may... say... be engaged in activities requiring public justification?

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Comments

I became aware of this calamity that Japan seems bent on pursuing earlier in the week. Hopefully, with great public and political pressure, they will come to their senses. Or it will come back to haunt them...

Posted by: Linda | November 20, 2007 4:43 PM

I gave $200 to Sea Shepherd this morning.

Posted by: Nate | November 20, 2007 6:47 PM

On a strictly utilitarian assessment:
If Humpbacks get scared, then whalewatching will be reduced in value

If East Australian WWatching of 2000 whales is worth $200 Million and a whale lives for 50 years, then each whale is worth $5 million dollars.

Posted by: g bruno | November 20, 2007 7:34 PM

Thanks to all for your continued efforts toward our planet.

Posted by: Jill | November 21, 2007 9:11 PM

Does anybody know if any peer-reviewed publications come out of this 'scientific' whaling?

Posted by: Tristram Brelstaff | November 30, 2007 10:29 AM