Problem:

Case Study - One species of whale, the blue whale is the largest animal ever known to inhabit the Earth. Unfortunately, these enormous whales, as well as other whale species, have been hunted almost to the point of extinction. A look at the history of agreements between nations to regulate whale hunting illustrates both the problems and successes of international cooperation. The International Whaling Commission (IWC) has instituted various quotas and controls over the years, to limit the harvesting of whales. In 1994, the IWC created a permanent whale sanctuary in Antarctica. Even if the current worldwide ban is lifted, the waters of Antarctica, which are the largest feeding ground for whales in the world, will remain off-limits to commercial whaling vessels. The largest whaling nations are strongly opposed to this agreement.

Investigate the controversy surrounding the whaling industry.

Required:

Question 1: What is the ecological niche of a whale? Why is it important to limit hunting of whales?

Question 2: Describe the historical disagreements between countries surrounding the quotas of whales that could be killed. Why do you think these countries have such varying viewpoints?

Question 3: What measures could international organizations take to enforce international agreements without starting wars?

Question 4: Nations are very protective of their sovereignty and their right to manage their own affairs. They don't want to be into a position that permits other countries to tell them what to do. How has the desire to protect sovereignty affected efforts to protect whales?

Could someone explain this to me?