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Scuba Diving News
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Tuesday, 02 February 2010 20:47 |
As you've hopefully seen from the banners we've been running for the last month, this week is the Whale and Dolphin Conversation Society "Save The Whale Week".
What is Save The Whale Week?
As you can guess, pretty much what it says on the tin. The WDCS are trying to raise, awareness, support and most importantly funds to help protect the whale population. Save The Whale Week is held to mark the anniversary of the commercial whaling ban that was passed on 3rd February 1983.
What is the point if there is already a whaling ban?
Unfortunately, since the ban, over 30,000 whales have been killed by Japan, Norway and Iceland alone. These countries are also applying pressure to have the ban lifted.
So what's going on right now?
This summer, Iceland?s whalers have undertaken the biggest fin whale hunt in the North Atlantic in more than 20 years, killing 125 fin whales and more than 80 minke whales. With almost no domestic market for whale meat, Iceland plans to export thousands of tonnes of meat to Japan.
Less than a week after a visit from US President Obama, the Japanese whaling fleet has set sail for Antarctica.
What can I do to help?
1) If you're a member of an EU country, you can make yourself heard about Iceland's whaling actions by signing this petition (Iceland recently applied to join the EU).
2) You can donate money directly online to the Whale & Dolphin Conversation Society
3) You can organise a Save The Whale Dinner (no, this doesn't mean eating whales).
4) The WDCS are organising a sponsored 100ft Abseiling Event for those adrenaline junkies.
5) You can help spread the word with Save The Whale Packs
Please help put a stop to this!
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