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Join The Fight To Protect Whales And Defend Our Oceans

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Sponsor: Free The Ocean

Whales are being hunted to extinction by nations ignoring global bans—act now to save these majestic creatures and protect the health of our oceans before it's too late.

Join The Fight To Protect Whales And Defend Our Oceans

Commercial whaling is tearing apart marine ecosystems and threatening some of the planet’s most magnificent creatures. Despite a global ban enacted in 1986, over 43,000 whales have been killed since then by nations exploiting legal loopholes1. Whales, essential to the health of our oceans, continue to face brutal and unnecessary deaths.

The Global Ban Under Threat

Japan, Norway, and Iceland persist in hunting whales under contested objections and claims of “scientific research.” These nations use cruel methods, including explosive harpoons, which can leave whales suffering for hours2. At the same time, the market for whale meat has dwindled dramatically—less than 1% of Iceland’s population eats whale meat regularly, and Japan has seen consumption plummet by 99% since the 1960s3.

Efforts to lift the global ban are gaining traction. Pro-whaling nations have pushed for the moratorium’s removal, citing cultural and economic reasons. Meanwhile, proposals for stronger protections, such as the South Atlantic Whale Sanctuary, face resistance, failing to gain the necessary support4.

Why Whales Matter

Whales play a critical role in maintaining marine ecosystems. They recycle nutrients, support biodiversity, and even contribute to combating climate change by sequestering carbon1. Protecting whales means protecting the oceans we all depend on for food, climate stability, and livelihoods.

The International Whaling Commission (IWC) has saved many species from extinction, but its work is far from over. Without strong reaffirmation of the moratorium and stricter enforcement, these gains could be reversed.

Take Action Now

We cannot let decades of conservation progress unravel. Whaling is unsustainable, inhumane, and unnecessary. Eco-tourism and whale watching generate millions annually and demonstrate that protecting whales is both ethical and economically viable2.

By signing the petition, you join a global effort to:

  • Reaffirm the moratorium on commercial whaling.
  • Strengthen conservation measures to protect all whale species.
  • Ensure the health of our oceans and marine ecosystems for future generations.

Whales need your voice. Act now. Sign the petition and stand against commercial whaling. Together, we can ensure a future where these incredible creatures thrive.

More on this issue:

  1. EIA International (2024), "Commercial Whaling: Unsustainable, Inhumane, Unnecessary."
  2. IFAW (2024), "We’re shifting the global mindset and protecting whales for the future."
  3. Humane Society International (27 June 2019), "Celebrities and NGOs worldwide call for G20 ‘international whaling intervention’ as summit host Japan launches new whale killing programme."
  4. The Maritime Executive (29 September 2024), "IWC Member States Block Plans to Restart Commercial Whaling."

The Petition

To the Chair, Executive Secretary, and U.S. Commissioner of the International Whaling Commission (IWC),

We, the undersigned, call on all member states of the International Whaling Commission (IWC) to reaffirm the moratorium on commercial whaling and promote the conservation of all whale species. The resolution proposed by the European Union, which emphasizes the urgent need for this ban and the critical importance of global cooperation, is a vital step forward and deserves your full support.

Commercial whaling is unsustainable, inhumane, and unnecessary. During the 20th century, industrial whaling decimated global populations, driving several species to the brink of extinction. Despite the 1986 moratorium, over 43,000 whales have been killed in recent decades due to loopholes and contested objections. The suffering inflicted by current whaling practices, including the use of explosive harpoons that often prolong death for hours, is unconscionable.

Whales are essential to healthy marine ecosystems. They act as ecosystem engineers, recycling nutrients, supporting biodiversity, and even sequestering carbon. Their preservation is not just a moral imperative but a key element in sustaining the balance of our planet's oceans.

We urge member states to:

1. Fully support the continuation of the global moratorium on commercial whaling.

2. Strengthen enforcement of conservation measures and eliminate loopholes that enable whaling activities.

3. Promote non-lethal alternatives, such as eco-tourism and whale watching, as sustainable economic opportunities.

These actions will ensure the survival of these majestic creatures and safeguard the health of marine ecosystems. By standing firm against commercial whaling, we can create a better, more sustainable future for humanity and the natural world.

Sincerely,

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