Iceland’s whaling ban plan threatens to leave Japan alone in defending industry
Iceland’s move towards a whaling ban could leave Japan more exposed than ever as it defends an industry critics say relies on public money, political symbolism and a shrinking domestic appetite for whale meat. The Icelandic government has announced plans to submit a bill early next year to end whaling – a step that would leave Japan and Norway as the world’s only two nations still carrying out…
Iceland's move to ban whaling could leave Japan and Norway as the world's sole commercial whaling nations. The Icelandic government plans to introduce a bill to end the practice early next year, potentially drawing international attention to the plight of whales. Public opinion in Japan has shifted in recent years against whaling, with surveys showing a majority of people no longer support the industry.
Animal rights groups believe that Japan's isolation would intensify pressure on Japan to end whaling, despite cultural and traditional arguments put forth by those defending the practice. However, some Japanese defenders argue that whaling is a matter of national culinary tradition and that anti-whaling campaigns are rooted in Western bias.
Critics of whaling point to the lack of public appetite for whale meat and the industry's reliance on subsidies as reasons to end the practice. Environmental campaigners hope that Iceland's ban will increase public awareness and opinion within Japan, potentially leading to a government ban. Diplomatic pressure from other nations could also play a role in convincing Japan to halt its commercial whaling industry.
Written by urgent.news from South China Morning Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
