The Evolution of Whaling: From Basque Origins to Global Industry
How whaling evolved from its Basque origins into a vast global business
The Conversation
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Organized whaling began in the 11th century in the Basque Country, evolving into a global industry that peaked in the 19th century. Despite its profitability, overexploitation led to a ban on commercial whaling in 1986, with ongoing debates about sustainability and regulation continuing today.
- 01Whaling originated in the Basque Country in the 11th century and expanded globally by the 19th century.
- 02Profits from whaling reached extraordinary levels, with some ships yielding returns over 300%.
- 03The International Whaling Commission was established in 1946 to regulate whaling and protect whale populations.
- 04A moratorium on commercial whaling was enacted in 1986, which remains in effect today.
- 05Countries like Japan, Norway, and Iceland continue to challenge the moratorium, citing sustainable populations.
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Whaling's roots trace back to the 11th century in the Basque Country, where small boats hunted whales using harpoons and spears. This practice rapidly expanded across the Bay of Biscay and the Atlantic, with profits soaring as whaling became a global industry by the 19th century. Ships like the Lagoda achieved remarkable profit margins, sometimes exceeding 361% in a single year. However, the industry’s unsustainable practices led to the establishment of the International Whaling Commission (IWC) in 1946 to regulate catches. By the 1980s, environmental pressure resulted in a moratorium on commercial whaling, which remains largely in place today despite challenges from nations like Japan and Norway. The legacy of whaling is evident along Spain's Cantabrian coast, where historical sites and monuments commemorate nearly a thousand years of this once-thriving industry.
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The moratorium on whaling has allowed whale populations to recover, impacting marine ecosystems and local economies dependent on whale-watching tourism.
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