Norway has announced it will soon resume commercial whaling, saying it has the right to make use of its natural resources.
DESPITE the International Whaling Commission turning down in May a request by Norway and Japan to lift its ban on whaling, Norway has announced its intention to resume commercial whaling soon (Down To Earth, June 15, 1993).
Responding to the IWC decision, Norwegian Prime Minister Gro Harlem Brundtland said it had undermined IWC's credibility as a natural resource management organisation. Foreign minister Johan Jorgen Holst contended whaling is about "the rights of a coastal nation to make use of available resources". And, Norway's fisheries minister Jan Henry Olsen added that unless the growth of minke whale stocks was controlled, they would consume fish on which endangered species depend for food.
Japan also complained that the IWC had become "a body to protect the rights of whales" and had ignored a scientific report that said there was no reason to restrict whaling.
Criticising Norway's stand, European Community environment commissioner Yannis Paleokrasas said, "We have international laws and regulations and these should be observed by everybody concerned." Resumption of whaling would hinder Norway's bid to join the EC, he added.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.