final podcast 2

The transcription discusses the history, consequences, and effects of small whale and dolphin hunting. It highlights how advances in technology enabled larger-scale hunting and the commercialization of the industry. It mentions the backlash faced by the whaling industry, the ongoing hunting of dolphins in some parts of the world, and the complex ethical and cultural considerations surrounding the issue. The depletion of whale and dolphin populations and its impact on marine ecosystems are discussed, along with the inhumane methods used in hunting and the socioeconomic impacts on communities. The capture and sale of dolphins and whales into captivity for entertainment purposes is also mentioned. Hi, my name is Stephanie Murski. My name is Sam Rabinowitz. My name is Johnny Resch. My name is John Rath. And for our project, we focused on small whale and dolphin hunting. As societies modernized and industrialized, the practice of dolphin and whale hunting underwent drastic changes. Advances in technology, such as motorized boats, sonar equipment, and powerful weapons, enabled larger scale and more efficient harvesting of these animals. With the introduction of commercial whaling operations in the 19th and 20th centuries, the hunting of dolphins and whales became increasingly commercialized and profit driven. As the demand for whale oil, blubber, and meat grew, many species of whales were hunted to the brink of extinction. Whales and dolphins are continuously threatened by hunts and captures globally. These threats are compounded by other environmental challenges like climate change, marine debris, and commercial fisheries. This quote came from the Ocean Preservation Society Productions. In response to growing conservation concerns and international criticism, the global whaling industry faced widespread backlash in the 20th century. The landmark 1986 moratorium on commercial whaling imposed by the International Whaling Commission aimed to protect whale populations and promote sustainable management of these marine animals. However, even with the terms of the IWC moratorium in place, 31,984 whales have been killed since the IWC moratorium. And in countries like Japan and Iceland, they now simply whale hunt under the guise of scientific whaling. This statistic is from the World Wildlife Foundation. While the moratorium effectively reduced the global scale commercial whaling industry, the hunting of dolphins continues in some parts of the world, often under the disguise of cultural tradition, pest control, or a dietary preference. The annual dolphin drive hunts in Taiji, Japan, for example, have attracted international attention and criticism for their controversial methods and high mortality rates. Ongoing debate over dolphin and whale hunting raises complex ethical, cultural, and ecological considerations. Critics argue that the hunting of these intelligent and socially complex animals is cruel, unnecessary, and environmentally unsustainable. Proponents defend the practice as a legitimate cultural custom, a valuable food source, or a means of wildlife control. Additionally, indigenous communities often adhered to cultural practices and customary laws that regulated hunting seasons, quotas, and conservation measures to ensure the long-term sustainability of marine resources. These sustainable hunting methods demonstrate a deep understanding of the relationship between humans and marine ecosystems with a commitment to management and conservation principles passed down through generations. With the development of industrialization and globalization, the dynamics of dolphin and whale hunting experienced a drastic shift, particularly in the 20th century. The rise of commercial whaling, driven by the demand for whale oil, meat, and other products, led to the widespread exploitation of whale populations on an industrial scale. Whale oil was used as a resource for light, but the market expanded with the introduction of sperm oil, as it has many uses, especially during the Industrial Revolution, such as machinery, engines, guns, and watches. Furthermore, sperm oil was used for soaps, textiles, and even margarine. And bergris, found in the intestine of sperm whales, is used for perfumes and is still used today in many famous perfumes, such as Chanel No. 5. Advanced hunting technologies, such as harpoon cannons and factory ships, enabled hunters to target whales with unmatched efficiency, resulting in catastrophic decline in whale numbers globally. Similarly, the hunting of dolphins, while historically practiced in various regions, gained negative recognition with the emergence of dive hunting techniques. Places like Taiji Cove in Japan increased international attention for their annual dolphin dive hunts, where dolphins are herded into shallow waters and slaughtered for their meat, or captured for sale to marine parks and aquariums. These hunts have drawn widespread backlash for their cruelty and disregard for animal welfare. Today, while commercial whaling has significantly declined due to international regulations and bans, dolphin hunting continues in several countries, with Japan being the most prominent example. According to the International Whaling Commission, Japan officially ended its commercial whaling operations in 1986, but still continued to engage in whaling activities through the loophole of calling whaling scientific research. Additionally, drive hunts for dolphins still occur in places like Japan and the Solomon Islands, contributing to the ongoing exploitation of marine mammal populations. After years of partaking in whaling and dolphin hunting, still agreeing to the IWC terms, on December 26th, the Japanese government announced its official withdrawal from the International Whaling Commission in order to officially resume commercial whaling operations in Japanese waters, and they resumed commercial whale hunting on July 1st, 2019. Now that you've had a brief introduction about small whale and dolphin hunting, let's talk about the consequences and the effects of small whale and dolphin hunting. The consequences of dolphin and whale hunting stretch throughout marine ecosystems, affecting not only the targeted species, but also the delicate balance of oceanic biodiversity. One of the most immediate and obvious impacts is the depletion of whale and dolphin populations. Overexploitation through hunting has led to declines in many species, some of which are now endangered or critically endangered. This loss of biodiversity disrupts the intricate web of life in our oceans, potentially causing cascading effects throughout marine food chains. From 2000 to 2016, a staggering 173,656 dolphins and small whales were killed. Over a million have been killed in the hunt in the last 70 years. One good example is Doll's Porpoise had the unenviable title of most hunted small cetacean, not just in Japan, but in the world ever, with the number slaughtered peaking at approximately 46,000 in 1993. Numbers have reduced dramatically, but still an average of 1,500 Doll's Porpoise have been taken each year since 2011. This statistic is from uswhales.org. The hunting of whales and dolphins can have profound ecological consequences. Whales, as apex predators, play a crucial role in regulating the abundance of prey species and maintaining the health of marine ecosystems. Their decline due to hunting can disrupt the balance of marine food chains, leading to imbalances in prey populations and potentially destabilizing entire ecosystems. The removal of large predators like whales can have indirect effects on other species, altering community structure and dynamics. A study shown by Delbert Elsme, a Texas A&M professor, says as apex predators, small whales and dolphins can increase diversity in communities by preying on competitive dominant species or by reducing consumer pressure on foundation species. Additionally, the methods used in dolphin and whale hunting can also cause extreme levels of suffering and trauma to the animals involved. In drive hunts, dolphins are led into coves and massacred, often in a prolonged and brutal manner. According to Nicola Hodgins at Whales and Dolphins Conservation, dolphin hunts are incredibly cruel with animals killed using rudimentary methods, including harpoons, knives, machetes, nets, spears, and even dynamite. Death does not come quickly or painlessly. Similarly, whales are also often harpooned or shot with high-powered explosive-tipped harpoons, leading to prolonged suffering before death. The wounds inflicted by these weapons can be severe and debilitating, leading to slow and painful deaths, as we said. Also, the stress and fear experienced by dolphins and whales during these hunts can have long-lasting psychological effects, impacting their behavior, social interactions, and overall well-being. These inhumane hunting methods not only cause unnecessary pain and suffering to the animals but also raise ethical and moral concerns about the treatment of our wildlife. Lastly, the hunting of dolphins and whales can have socioeconomic impacts on communities that rely on these practices for food sources or income. In some traditional societies, whale and dolphin hunting has deep cultural significance and provides essential resources for food, tools, and spiritual practices. However, the sustainability of these practices is often called into question, as over-exploitation can lead to long-term economic and social decline. Additionally, the negative publicity surrounding dolphin and whale hunting can deter tourists and damage local economies that rely on marine-based tourism. The cruelty of dolphin and whale hunting is further compounded by the capture and sale of these animals into captivity for entertainment purposes. Dolphin and whales captured from the wild are often sold to marine parks, aquariums, and dolphinariums around the world, where they are kept in captivity and forced to perform in shows for human entertainment. I'm sure we've all seen or heard of the story Dolphin Tale, which is a sweet story about a rehabilitated dolphin who was in captivity. Unfortunately, most aquariums or marine parks, et cetera, are unlike Dolphin Tale and are more closely similar to the documentary Blackfish, which tells the story of a killer captive whale who is kept in captivity, and it highlights the consequences of keeping orcas in captivity. SeaWorld and many other aquariums are a prime example of the exploitation of dolphins and whales for human entertainment. The process of capture and transport is inherently stressful and traumatic for these animals, as they are separated from their families and subjected to confinement in small tanks and exposed to unfamiliar environments. In captivity, dolphins and whales are deprived of their natural behaviors, social structures, and freedom of movement, leading to profound physical and psychological suffering. They are often forced to perform repetitive and unnatural behaviors for the amusement of audiences, and they're subjected to training methods that rely on coercion, punishment, and food deprivation. The stress of captivity can manifest in a variety of different ways, including aggression, stereotypic behaviors, and compromised immune systems, leading to shortened lifespans and decreased quality of life for these animals. Captain dolphins can bring far more money to dolphin hunters than does dolphins slaughtered for meat, but due to the stress of captivity, only a few dolphins do well enough to survive for more than a few years. And this is found from the International Marine Mammal Project. In conclusion, the cruelty of dolphin and whale hunting, along with the sale of these animals into captivity for entertainment purpose, highlights the urgent need for ethical considerations and humane treatment of marine animals. Efforts to combat these practices must focus on promoting conservation, raising awareness, and advocating for the protection of dolphins and whales in their natural habitats, free from exploitation and cruelty. Addressing this issue requires comprehensive strategies that consider ecological, ethical, cultural, and socioeconomic aspects, as well as international cooperation and collaboration. Only by recognizing the correlation of these factors can we hope to protect these magnificent marine mammals and the oceans they inhabit. The issue of dolphin hunting has gathered significant attention from conservation organizations, activists, and governments worldwide, leading to concentrated efforts to address and mitigate this practice. One key approach involves raising awareness and advocacy campaigns to shine a spotlight on the cruelty and unsustainability of dolphin and whale hunting. Organizations such as the Dolphin Project and the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society work tirelessly to educate the public, raise awareness, and mobilize support for stronger protections and regulations against this hunting. The efforts of International Marine Mammal Project, IMMP, of Earth Island Institute stopped these hunts. IMMP remains dedicated to raising awareness, garnering support, and mobilizing funds in the horrific practices. International agreements and conventions also play a crucial role in regulating and monitoring dolphin hunting. The Convention of International Trade and Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, also known as CITES, is a global treaty to ensure international trade in wild plants and animals is legal, traceable, and biologically sustainable. As issues of wildlife grow ever more complex, CITES provides tools to effectively conserve the world's diverse natural resources. The convention provides a framework for regulating the international trade in endangered species, including certain species of dolphins. Additionally, the International Whaling Commission has taken steps to address dolphin hunting. Although its administration primarily focuses on whales, these international forums provide platforms for countries to collaborate, share data, and develop conservation measures to protect dolphins. Some countries have implemented national laws and policies to address dolphin hunting within their territorial waters. For example, Australia has established marine protected areas and sanctuaries where dolphin hunting is prohibited, providing safe havens for these marine mammals to thrive. The Australian state and territory governments have established marine parks around the country, covering 4.3 square million square kilometers, or 48% of our oceans. Similarly, countries like New Zealand and the United States have enacted regulations to restrict dolphin hunting and protect vulnerable populations. Efforts are underway to promote alternative livelihoods and sustainable economic opportunities for communities that rely on dolphin hunting. Eco-tourism initiatives, such as dolphin watching tours and marine wildlife excursions provide opportunities for local communities to generate income while preserving dolphins in their natural habitats. By providing economic incentives for conservation, governments and conservation organizations can reduce their reliance on dolphin hunting while supporting local economies and livelihoods. To summarize, the issue of dolphin hunting is being addressed through a combination of awareness-raising campaigns, international agreements, national regulations, and economic incentives for conservation. While significant progress has been made, challenges remain in enforcing regulations, combating illegal hunting, and addressing cultural attitudes and practices. However, by working together collaboratively and persistently, we can strive towards a future where dolphins are protected and respected in their ocean homes. Addressing the issue of dolphin and whale hunting requires a multifaceted approach that integrates legal, economic, social, and ecological considerations. One key solution involves strengthening international agreements and conventions aimed at regulating and monitoring the hunting of these marine mammals. By enhancing enforcement mechanisms, closing regulatory loopholes, and increasing penalties for illegal hunting, countries can improve compliance and deter unsustainable practices. Additionally, promoting collaboration and information sharing among countries can facilitate coordinated efforts to address cross-border issues related to dolphin and whale hunting. Promoting sustainable management practices and alternative livelihoods for communities that rely on dolphin and whale hunting is essential for reducing the pressure on these species. By providing economic incentives for conservation and supporting sustainable fishing practices, governments and conservation organizations can help transition communities away from hunting towards more sustainable livelihoods. This may include developing ecotourism initiatives, such as whale watching tours and marine wildlife excursions, which provide opportunities for local communities to generate income while preserving dolphin and whales in their natural habitats. Education and awareness-raising campaigns also play a crucial role in changing attitudes and behaviors towards dolphin and whale hunting. By providing information about the ecological importance of these species, the ethical considerations of hunting, and the alternatives available, we can inspire individuals to advocate for their protection. These campaigns can target a wide range of audiences, including policymakers, local communities, fishermen, and consumers, to foster a greater understanding of the issues and promote conservation efforts. Additionally, supporting scientific research and monitoring efforts is essential for informing conservation strategies and evaluating the effectiveness of management measures. By gathering data on population trends, distribution patterns, and threats, researchers can identify priority areas for conservation action and develop evidence-based management plans. This may involve implementing monitoring programs, conducting population surveys, and studying the ecological interactions of dolphins and whales within their ecosystems. Ultimately, addressing the issue of dolphin and whale hunting requires sustained commitment and collaboration from governments, NGOs, and local communities, and the public. By implementing comprehensive solutions that address the root causes of hunting while promoting conservation and sustainable management practices, we can work towards a future where dolphins and whales thrive in a healthy and resilient ocean. Even with all these solutions in mind, ultimately, it's going to take a lot of effort and time to really make a change. As we've seen from Japan, now that they've left the IWC and are now hunting in the EEZ, hunting is still a prevalent issue, and many countries, such as Japan and Iceland, found loopholes before, and something more substantial than an agreement needs to be found as a solution. Yeah, I mean, I think when it comes to really the ethics of it, I think one thing really important that people kind of overlook is the culture behind the countries that are doing the hunting. One quote in particular was saying that most Japanese were unaware of the hunts, which were heavily subsidized by the dolphin captivity industry, indicating a disconnect between the tradition and commercialization of these practices, which I found kind of interesting how the country is doing all this whale hunting with the people not even knowing or being able to say anything about it. Yes, you know, it is really interesting because they keep, during the hunt season, locals and other just random people, they keep them away from the cove, and that's where they conduct their hunt. And then even, especially, there has been a documentary from Richard O'Berry, and he tried to go into the cove and film, and they would not let him go through because they just don't want the public to have all this information. Yeah, I think education about this issue is really important, and that is honestly the key to success in finding a solution to this problem. Yeah, I think definitely education and just kind of... General awareness. ...getting the word out there more, I think having that be the prominent sort of step is kind of key to having all these people really realize how important this issue really is. Yeah. Yeah, I would agree. I would say, before doing this project, I had never heard about the drives or any of that, and I think if a lot more people heard what was going on in those drives, how unethical they are, I think a lot more people would also be kind of upset and want to definitely want to make some change. Yeah. So how critical do you think you guys would say this issue is then? I mean, just from sort of the research that I've been doing, it seems like these dolphins and small whales have a pretty big, important impact in their ecosystems, and when us humans take them out of that, we're honestly just creating an almost like a domino effect for us, because when we take out these dolphins, we're not only impacting the marine environments, but we're also impacting ourselves. Yeah, I think that's really true. I think, obviously, there's a lot of issues in our world, so maybe this wouldn't be top priority, but I do think it's really important, just conservation of animals in general and preventing the exploitation of them and the use of their oil, in this case, is really important, and just something that should be talked about more. Yeah, it's also really interesting because there is a documentary called The Cove that was released in 2009, specifically about the Cove and Taiji, and it generated a lot of awareness and had people talking about it for a while, and then it seemed to die down after a while and people forgot about it again, and then it still continues to go on. So, thinking about what things we can do to combat this, what would you say would be something, not just as students, but as people could do to kick start learning? I would say the laws probably need to be a little more restricted, more and more enforced, and try and not have loopholes that Japan and Iceland use to get around those laws and bans. Yeah, ultimately, I do think people should realize that this is one of the larger issues in the world, and it's only going to become a greater issue if we really don't take action now.