A group of experts in Tokyo suggested pouring radioactive water from Fukushima into the open sea. A marine biochemist explains the consequences of this absurd decision.
Oceans
World Whale Day. On 13 February we celebrate the giants of the oceans and their future
Despite a ban on whale hunting entered into force in 1986, the giants of the oceans still face several threats. A notorious danger is represented by Japan, the Asian country that continued unperturbed to slaughter these peaceful cetaceans “for scientific purposes”, thus by bypassing the ban. The threats to whales Japan, however, isn’t the only
Despite a ban on whale hunting entered into force in 1986, the giants of the oceans still face several threats. A notorious danger is represented by Japan, the Asian country that continued unperturbed to slaughter these peaceful cetaceans “for scientific purposes”, thus by bypassing the ban.
The threats to whales
Japan, however, isn’t the only to violate the moratorium established by the International Whaling Commission (IWC): Norway and Iceland still join the list. The latter is also the only country in the world to hunt the endangered fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus).
A glimmer of hope
Nevertheless, there’s a glimmer of hope. In fact, some species are thriving, such as the Western Pacific grey whale and the humpback whales living off the coasts of Western Australia. To celebrate the extraordinary yet mysterious intelligence of these creatures as well as underline the need of protecting them, we celebrate World Whale Day on 13 February.
World Whale Day and the Maui Whale Festival
The celebration was established in 1980 on the Hawaiian island of Maui – one of the best places for whale-watching – to celebrate whales returning after the seasonal migration. On this occasion, the Maui Whale Festival is organised by the Pacific Whale Foundation with a series of events, concerts and shows.
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