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Japan is planning to add large fin whales to its commercial hunting list in an effort to support its traditional food culture. The government believes that whales are an important food resource that should be sustainably utilized.
Whale meat consumption in Japan has declined significantly over the years, but there are now efforts to increase it to about 5,000 tonnes to revive the industry. Some Japanese people have never even tried whale meat and hope to see it become more popular.
The Fisheries Agency is seeking public opinion on the proposal to add fin whales to the catch list, following surveys showing sufficient recovery of the species in the North Pacific. The plan is not meant to increase whale meat supply significantly, and whalers catching fin whales may not have to meet a quota.
Last year, Japanese whalers caught fewer whales than their quota, indicating a shift towards more sustainable hunting practices.
Additional reporting by agencies