Nov 13, 2009 Whales are being targeted and hunted, their population is being dealt serious blows. All the whales in the northern hemisphere are consedered as the north pacific stock.(susan scott, 1) the population of the stock is at 18,000-20,000 whales at present day. Researching the population is a strenous job, and it takes time to come up with the population prediction of the north pacific stock. In the year 1966, when the last study was conducted the “stock” reached a extreme low of 1,200 whales. (susan scott,1) the population is very unstable and always under pressure.

Factors that contribute to the the threat towards whales are traditions by natives and nations that claim the reason for their whaling is for “scientific reasons”. Arguments have flared up between whaleing nations against organized partys. During the summer whales migrate into the northern hemisphere because the colder water plays as excelent huntiong grounds. Whales never migrate to another geeding ground. They never break this migrating pattern. By going to the same feeding areas every summer whales are making it easyier for hunters to decide were they want to hunt. Japan, iceland, and norway are the top whaling nations. All of these nations continue to hunt by thinly disguiseing whaling as scientific reasons.(los angelos, The Nation, 1) Many argue that what they are doing is not proffesional and the practices are cruel. The procces involves harpooning a whale and dragging it around until it becomes tired. Once the whale has submitted, hundreds of thousands of volts are sent directly into the whale. The idea is supposed to kill the whale quickly, but instead it becomes a slow agonizing death.
Beaty 2 Organized groups claim that these practices are inhumane. In 1986 the whaling commision banned commercial whaling. Antiwhaling nations want to create a sancutary in the southern ocean which is the main site of current hunting. Recently the whaling commision which requires supermajority to vote has been deadlocked on the issue by whalers and supporters. The debate on whaling is very unstable and always has the potential to change at a moments notice.