IWC statutes that states unlimited numbers of whales may be caught for research purposes. Either way, the whale meat finds its way to dinner tables, despite the IWC's calls for Japan to stop this whaling. By continuing whaling, Japan is not cooperating with the IWC's demands. Japan's push this year to re-open commercial whaling failed. Other nations rightly argue that even a small commercial industry will lead to devastation of whale populations.
History shows that whaling quotas and restrictions are impossible to enforce.
And unlike fish, whales reproduce extremely slowly. Once markets are opened, whalers will once again over-exploit them. Take a stand with Greenpeace and stop this illegal slaughter Greenpeace has stood between whales and their killers for more than 20 years. Greenpeace will keep fighting until all whaling stops. We also know that worsening pollution, climate change and ozone depletion is making whales vulnerable in new ways.