Imagine we wanted to research a soon to be extinct animal. Instead of simply using one or a handful of subjects, we use thousands of them. That's right -- thousands. Currently, Japan claims to be catching soon to be extinct whales and using them for experimental research. Though animal research is nothing new to countries like Japan, it is clear that this is a rising controversy around the globe.  So why exactly is whale hunting considered acceptable in Chinese cultures and why are thousands being hunted each year?

For centuries, whales have always been a source of survival. The Japanese culture used these animals for food, cooking supplies, and of course materials.  In many instances, they provided warmth during the cold seasons. Nevertheless, whale hunting has kept Japan happy for many years. When there was a depletion of food during the Wars, Japan made sure to use whales for their dinners. As a result, they were able to survive and knew that the whales were the main source for filling their stomachs.

While whales were filling their stomachs, they were also filling their wallets. Since the late 1980's, the whale research has been supported by a private corporation called the Institute of  Cetacean Research. Here they are responsible for not only collecting hundreds of whales, but selling these pieces to other companies for additional research purposes.  Though it is essential to learn about these large mammals, it is not necessary to hunt countless amounts of them. Moreover, this Institute is generating billions of dollars of revenue a year. Additionally, they are also required to sell the meat of the whale. This not only leads to more of a profit, but superfluous controversy between countries.

Another reason why whales are being hunted in Japan is due to the fact that they are ruining their fish population. According to the Japanese government, the whales are consuming fish so rapidly, that there are rarely substantial amounts left for the fisherman. Though this may sound reasonable, there are many alternatives around this. Perhaps the Japanese government forgot to mention that there is actually too much fishing occurring in their waters. Regrettably, the whales are still being blamed for this issue, when humans may be the true culprit.

It is quite a shame to think that these soon to be extinct animals are being hunted. Far too often we overlook that they too have an unspoken voice, and should not be harmed. Other countries, including the United States and Australia, have made it clear that they do not agree with this form of "whale hunting." It is clearly a travesty, and should be stopped immediately. Unfortunately, the government continues to claim that whale hunting is mainly for research -- information that is a necessity in the community. Perhaps one day this entire prosecution upon creatures will be stopped. For now, organizations like GreenPeace are trying their hardest to at least slow down the process.
This article was bought to you by www.petthoughts.com