Debate Over Whaling Industry

Blichfeldt told the story of how the U.S. cultural bias toward marine mammals can have terrible effects on the ecology of distant oceans and the people who depend on them. If we are to make any strides in wisely using the world’s resources, then we need to change the attitude promoted by so many environmental organizations from a Disneyland version of the globe to a perspective of scientific management of the world’s resources.

The minke whales that Norway wants to consume are abundant and a 1% take is well below sustainable levels. We need to respect people’s right to harvest whales and other animals as strongly as we respect their religious and social values. Man should benefit from eating, wearing or using whales, fish, birds, mammals or any of Earth’s creatures, just as he should benefit from the Earth’s reserves of oil, water, timber or minerals. Harvest wisely, respectfully, thankfully.

TERESA PLATT

Coronado