Why is whaling still up for debate?

Why, in the 21st century, is whaling still a heated topic of debate? Whale populations do not need thinning and there is zero reason in today's society to obtain whale meat or blubber so lets' leave it alone!

The article below is interesting...read on...post your views...be heard!


Govt hasn't broken whaling vow

December 18, 2008 - 11:20AM

The Rudd government is still considering taking legal action against Japan over whaling in the Southern Ocean, Environment Minister Peter Garrett says.

Australia sent the customs vessel Oceanic Viking to document Japan's activities during the last whaling season in preparation for a possible international court challenge.

But this season there'll be no monitoring and legal action appears a long way off.

However, Mr Garrett says the government hasn't broken any promises.

"All the things that we said we would do a little over 12 months ago we've done," he told Sky News.

"We sent the Oceanic Viking over the last season to collect material for potential legal use.

"That option remains on the table."

The Labor government had done more to stop whaling than any previous government, including appointing a special envoy for whale conservation, Mr Garrett said.

"We're continuing to push very, very hard in the diplomatic environment."

Australia "hoped" to see a positive reaction from Japan, but in the meantime would continue working with like-minded nations to end "so-called scientific whaling".

Foreign Minister Stephen Smith will raise the whaling issue with his Japanese counterpart in Tokyo on Thursday.