| ISANA
Dec. 2001 No.25 |
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HYPOCRISY IS THE GREATEST LUXURY
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Morgan S. Barnebee
Biologist |
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The
IWC and its members seem to have done the impossible once again. Namely,
to speak out of both sides of their collective mouths at the same
time.
The IWC refuses to apply one rule collectively. It seems vastly unfair
and undemocratic to allow the native peoples of one culture to continue
in the taking of cetacean species for food sources while refusing
to allow other cultures to do the same. To argue that it is agreeable
to allow Native Americans and Inuits to hunt because it is part of
their heritage and culture, while ignoring the histories of Icelandic,
Norwegian, and Japanese communities borders on political favoritism.
In this day of dwindling food supplies, rising food costs, and rampant
hunger in many parts of the world, it seems negligent to ignore the
bounty that the sea might bestow upon us.
As distasteful as it might be to those with other means, the quantity
of available food that the harvest of one minke whale allows could
mean the difference between sustenance and starvation to a variety
of native peoples. The industry of whaling alone assures the continued
financial support of thousands that might have few other resources.
The self-imposed limits that many countries have set upon the taking
of endangered cetacean species allows that they are concerned and
sensitive to effect of unrestricted or unregulated commercial whaling.
It would seem that the IWC could make better use of it's time by
acknowledging the fact that any country interested in being a member
of it's organization already understands the importance of the IWCfs
mission. No organization succeeds by alienating it's members or possible
allies.
We do not condemn the Hindu practice of refraining to slaughter
cattle even though vast numbers of people could avoid starvation in
countries that foster such beliefs. How then, does it make any sense
to condemn countries that seek to sustain their people by continuing
traditions that go back for dozens of generations? Surely, the ability
to feed and sustain onefs family and community ranks the highest
on anyonefs list of priorities.
While I would be among the first to look for other means of food production
and financial independence, I could not in good conscience allow humans
to suffer for want of practical application of natural resources.
I honestly believe that some kind of median is possible while protecting
the rights of all concerned.
As a scientist, I have watched while millions of dollars have been
spent on the unsuccessful attempt to rehabilitate one captive
killer whale. How many human lives could have been affected by the
same influx of cash? How many industries could have been bolstered
by such an investment? How many alternative food sources could have
been found with that amount of revenue?
I have spent the majority of my life trying to better understand the
vast oceans of our planet and their inhabitants. My study of whales
and dolphins have presented many fascinating hours as I attempt to
understand the life they lead, but I would not for one moment place
the value of their lives over that of a human being. I understand
the hierarchy of living beings and respect it. While it is my choice
not to consume the flesh of a fellow predator, I have the luxury of
making that choice. I do not believe that other carnivores on the
planet would have the same regard for me, nor would I expect them
to do so.
While I may make a choice not to consume whale meat, I was raised
in a culture where that is not the usual source of protein. If I had
been born in another land, I'm sure I would feel differently. Before
I could, in good conscience, ask another society to alter their way
of life, I would have to be able to offer an alternative method for
their continued survival; a method that would not only allow them
to prosper, but that did not offend their sense of culture and history.
It seems as though the International Whaling Committee would have
much more success if it remembered that the most basic requirement
for cooperation is mutual respect. |
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| Japanese delegation at 53rd IWC in London |
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Prepared by Japan
Fisheries Association,Japan Whaling Association.
For further information please contact.Toyomishinko
bldg.,4-5 Toyomi-cho,Chuo-ku,Tokyo (TEL)03-5547-1940
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