DID YOU KNOW?

The facts about whales are not always correct, and misconceptions can be dangerous.

Misconception number 1:

'Whales have been saved.'

The moratorium on whaling is not a fool-proof solution. Policy does not always equate with practice. There have been recent revelations of various forms of cheating in Norway, Japan, and the former Soviet Union. Controlled whaling, which whaling nations are working towards, is an unrealistic dream which cannot be achieved.

Whaling is not the only human danger to the survival of whales. There are three other persistent threats: the gradual accumulation of toxic substances in the bodies of whales, accidental death resulting from entanglement in fishing gear, and collisions with ships.

Misconception number 2:

'We already know enough to ensure the survival of whales - any call for more research just postpones action.'

Correct action is dependent on research. Without proper, investigative research, action will be imprecise and unfounded. Research has provided valuable knowledge about many aspects of whales. In particular, research has revealed the significant threat of concentrations of fat soluble toxins in the tissues of marine mammals.