We are hypocrites to criticize the Japanese people for there hunting of dolphins.

"First, I would like to address this first point. There is one major difference between the slaughtering of animals, such as cows, or hunting of dolphins. The big difference between killing dolphins and cattle for human consumption is that cattle are raised and "produced," while dolphins are taken from their habitat. My opponent may argue we hunt the majority of fish from their natural habitat or other marine life. However, judging the amount or the ability to breed, have low production rates and maintain the balance of oceans. Dolphins are a necessity." First I don't see any difference in moral weight between killing a "wild" animal or one which has been raised in captivity and I feel my point about morality still stands. I would argue that there are many animals hunted from the wild which reproduce at similar rates to dolphins for instance moose [1] which are also very important for a balanced ecosystem [2]. I don't see why a balance cannot be found between hunting and conservation. "I do not agree with this comment, as humane can be defined as involving minimal pain: done without inflicting any more pain than is necessary. According to this definition, stunning is humane." I would argue that there are more humane ways to kill and animal than our current system of factory killing, for a more in-depth explanation I site the first paragraph of my round 3 argument. But certainly the method of shocking an animal into confusion before killing it is not moral. "According to my source, there are more species than bottlenose dolphins that are captured and killed. This includes striped, spotted, and risso's dolphins along with the the bottlenose dolphins. In addition, I would like to source my argumentation about the mercury levels.[4] The levels are over 5,000 times the advised limit from Japan. Thee public is being wrongfully informed about these risks, which I will cover in the next few paragraphs." As far as I can tell none of these dolphins are endangered (though they are all included in Appendix II which protects migratory organisms). "I agree there is a large percentage of overweight western people. However, there are restrictions and certain procedures in making sure the food is safe. I do agree we should be able to eat whatever they wish. However, we can not assume everyone is aware of the risks. The irony is that whale meat is marketed in Japan as a health food, distributed for school lunches and even for medical benefit. It is being sold for health purposes when it is clearly putting people in danger from the high levels of mercury. Japan is not rightfully informing the public. Mercury has no value to the body and is a poison. Mercury exposure can produce serious effects on the nervous system including psychotic reactions, hallucinations, suicidal tendencies and delirium. Continued exposure can produce violent muscular spasms and even death. When it enters the body, it is stored in the kidneys, blood, spleen, brain, liver, bones and fatty tissues. It can enter the body through inhalation, ingestion, or skin absorption. It is unhealthy especially for pregnant or nursing women. Exposure to mercury has been attributed to an increase in neural tube defects." I can find very little on the actual quantities of dolphin meat being marketed as whale meat all I can find is that some unquantified amount of dolphin meat is marketed as whale meat. The Japanese government provides food safety education which should certainly be considered adequate [3] and so I don't see a large problem. As I have previously argued anyone should be able to put whatever they like into their bodies so long as they know the risks and I feel this combined with the Japanese food health education negates you argument about mercury levels. "Furthermore, I would like to add dolphin behavior, as dolphins can communicate with one another to coordinate their behavior. Other studies reveal that these marine mammals can plan ahead and problem-solve in ways few other animals can. Dolphins have a strong capability other animals do not have." In this respect there is an animal thought to be more intelligent that dolphins, that animal is the pig [4], take from that what you will. [1] http://exc-adventures.com... [2] http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca... [3] http://hej.sagepub.com... [4] http://list25.com...