The IWC estimated the stock size of minke whales in the Antarctic, for example, to be more than 760,000 animals.
Whales are one of the resources to which the concept of sustainable use is applicable.
Mutual acknowledgment of distinct cultures is critically important. Many countries, including Japan, have a traditional food culture based upon consumption of marine products. Western anthropologists confirm that whales are one of the most important elements in Japanese food culture. The claim at that time was the uncertainty of the stock status. The Schedule of the Convention required the Commission to review this provision by 1990 at the latest based on the best scientific advise.