Meat from fin whales caught for the first time in nearly 50 years off Japan’s northern coast fetched up to more than $1,300 per kilogram (2.2 lbs) at auction Thursday, as officials try to keep the struggling industry alive.
Japan’s Fisheries Agency this year added fin whales to its list of three whale species that can be legally hunted as the country expands commercial whaling along its coast.
Japan resumed commercial whaling within its exclusive economic zone after withdrawing from the International Whaling Commission in 2019. The IWC designated the fin whale as a species for protection from overhunting in 1976.
Japan said its recent stock surveys confirmed a sufficient recovery of fin whale populations in the North Pacific. Officials said 30 of the whales — half of the quota of 60 — were caught this season. Japan set a combined catch quota of 379 for the three other whale species — minke, Bryde's and sei whales.
The country's only large-scale whaling fleet operator launched a new ship this year in a show of determination to stay in the industry.
On Thursday, some 1.4 tons of fresh meat from several fin whales caught off Japan’s northern main island of Hokkaido was auctioned at the Sapporo fish market and the home port of the whaling fleet.
In the auction, the tail meat of fin whales, known as “onomi,” fetched the day’s highest price at 200,000 yen ($1,312) per kilogram (2.2 lbs).
Japan’s whaling has long been a source of controversy and criticism from conservationists. Anti-whaling protests have largely subsided after Japan switched from Antarctic “research whaling” to commercial whaling off its waters.
Last year, Japanese whalers caught fewer whales than the quota allowed, with declining catch attributed to climate change by officials.
Conservationists oppose resuming hunts of fin whales, citing past overhunting that nearly led to their extinction. They call for more thorough research on whale stocks before hunting.
Whale meat consumption in Japan has significantly declined over the years, with officials aiming to increase it to keep the industry afloat.
Experts doubt the demand for whale meat in Japan, where it is no longer a common food source. The sustainability of the industry without substantial government subsidies is questioned.
Whale meat, considered a delicacy, is more expensive than other meats and is not widely consumed outside of certain whaling towns.
Without significant subsidies, experts believe the whaling industry would face challenges in maintaining sustainability.
