Top #1: Why does Japan keep up the farce of so called “scientific” whaling? Why don’t they just say they want to kill whales and be done with it?

#2: Aren't Iceland, Japan and Norway whaling illegally?

#3: I heard that Japan has "recruited" landlocked nations to the IWC?

#4: If whaling is a traditional cultural activity, shouldn't whalers use traditional methods of hunting?

#5: I heard that there is almost no demand for whale meat in Japan, and that demand is declining? (NEW! 11/13)


Many more FAQ's are in the works, and I'll continue to tidy them up and add them, so please come back in the coming weeks and months. In the meantime, if you'd like to read some other FAQ's about whaling and whales, here is a selection:

• "Dr Ray Gambell answers your questions" (BBC)
• "Your whaling questions answered" with Greg Donovan (BBC)
• "Whaling - Pro & Con" (Klaus Barthelmess)
• "Questions and Answers" JARPA research programme FAQ (Institute of Cetacean Research)
• "Japan's whale research programs (JARPN and JARPNII)" (Institute of Cetacean Research)
• "What is the IWC's Revised Management Procedure (RMP)?" (Institute of Cetacean Research)
• "Argumentation Arcade" (High North Alliance)
• "FAQ" (Ocean Alliance)
• "Whale FAQ" (Whales on the NET)
• "Q and A: Why IFAW is in favour of the whaling ban" (CBBC)
• "Frequently Asked Questions" (Australian Antarctic Division)
  

Of course, the very best source of information on a range of topics related to whales and whaling is the International Whaling Commission.  ¶ 12:01 PM