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Genetic Study Provides Estimate of Whale Populations
ChopsMIDI writes "Many more whales were hunted in the 18th century than thought, a genetic study of the North Atlantic animals suggests. U.S. researchers say the International Whaling Commission may be underestimating by tenfold the number of whales in the seas before hunting began."
But really, in the end, why does it matter how many whales were hunted in the 18th century ...
It matters because international treaties were signed that banned whale hunting until whale populations returned to 54% of what they were before mass whaling in the 18th century.
So if this study is correct (and there are severe doubts on its accuracy) then no whaling will be allowed for at least another 50 - 100 years.
If this study is wrong and the current numbers based on the number of whales recorded as killed by whalers is correct then some whales like the humpback may be allowed to be hunted in less than 5 years.
The biggest reason this study's results are called into question is that it uses a new method with unknown accuracy to contradict by an order of magnitude the numbers that can be arrived at by the amount of whale oil sold. the amount of whale oil sold is considered to be a very reliable number.
previously, the population was estimated by using the logbooks from the whalers. these results were generally in line with the amount of whale oil sold.
Nature Science Update has a critical take: http://www.nature.com/nsu/030721/030721-14.html
It is not a baseless accusation. If you had bothered to even read through the rest of this thread instead of foaming at the mouth, you would seen at least one link from a reputable source that argued scientifically with the premise of the conclusion. Even the publisher of the study says that his results are "complicated and error-prone."
http://www.nature.com/nsu/030721/030721-14.html (Originally listed below.)
And the International Whaling Commission (based on the signed treaties) forbids whaling until whale populations returns to 54% of the original population.
The only thing you had right was my grammar error. The rest of your post was "bollocks." Good job.
"All I want is a warm bed and a kind word and unlimited power." - Ashleigh Brilliant
I had some whalemeat in Pusan. It tasted like beef, but with a fishy overtone. I enjoyed it a lot.
The meat is actually quite lean, I would say a bit leaner than beef, but not as lean as pork.
If I could buy whale meat at the local grocery store, I would. I enjoy seafood, and I love beef.
The radical sect of Islam would either see you dead or "reverted" to Islam.