A Whale of a Problem
Theme: Environment
Grade: 7-9
Introduction
In many parts of South Africa whales are a resource for the tourism industry. Whales are now a protected species and may no longer be hunted. This has probably boosted the local tourism industry but in a country like Japan, that relies heavily on food resources from the sea, the abolition of whaling has always been a problem. If whales are protected they may reduce other sources of seafood. Is it time to review the laws? What are the issues involved?
Task
In 1982, the International Whaling Commission (IWC) set a zero-catch policy for whales, and when the policy took effect in 1986, whales could no longer be caught. In 1994, the IWC developed a new policy that allowed more whales to be caught, but the rule has not yet been enacted. So, commercial whalers are still not allowed to catch any whales. Japan recently asked the IWC to let them begin whaling again on a limited basis. Japanese whalers want to be allowed to hunt specific whale species, with the number of whales they can take of each species based on the estimated size of whale populations. Japan currently hunts whales as part of its scientific research program, but Japanese whalers are not allowed to catch whales for industrial uses.
You have been appointed to a committee asked to compare and contrast past and present populations of whales in the Pacific Ocean and the effects of whaling on both Japan’s economy and the marine ecosystem. Your committee must complete the following tasks:
- Research the history of whaling, its impact on the marine environment, and the financial impact of a whaling ban on Japan's economy. You will also need to gather statistics on population sizes of whale species and other sea life.
- Analyse the data and create a graph to illustrate your marine population statistics.
- Reach a consensus with your committee either to recommend that the IWC grants Japan’s request to begin whaling again or continues to enforce the zero-catch policy.
- Create a multimedia presentation to present your recommendation and the data and statistics that support your recommendation. You can use Microsoft PowerPoint or Microsoft FrontPage to present your recommendation.
- Write a letter to the IWC that explains the position you have taken on the Japanese whaling issue.
If you use FrontPage to create your presentation, you may want to post your finished Web site to the Internet so you can share your conclusions with a global audience.
Before you do individual research in your role your group should determine some of the following information:
This site will help you understand more about the organisation that has asked for your committee's recommendation. Answer these questions to find out more about the organisation:
What is the IWC? What is its purpose?
What countries belong to the IWC?
What occurred in 1982?
What was the reaction to this decision?
Whaling Entry in Encarta Encyclopedia
What is whaling?
What products were made from whales?
What is Greenpeace?
What is the purpose of this site?
Is this site pro-whaling, anti-whaling or neutral?
Which countries have continued whaling?
What impact has this had on whale populations?
What is being done to address this problem?
Who wrote the article this site?
Are they pro-whaling, anti-whaling, or neutral?
Process
For this assignment, you will work in teams of four and you will divide your task into roles as follows (click on each role for more information):
Conclusion
By completing this activity you and your team will have gained an insight into the whaling issue. You will also have experienced how any one issue has many viewpoints because each of you represented a different interest group during the activity.
