Whale Hunting explores the extensive history of whaling in the Pacific Ocean, examining its effects on whale populations, indigenous communities, and global conservation efforts.
The book reveals how the pursuit of whales evolved from sustainable practices by indigenous groups to a large-scale industry driven by the demand for whale oil and baleen.
This transition led to significant ecological damage and cultural disruption, impacting communities that had coexisted with whales for generations.
The book traces the arrival of European and American whalers and their impact on whale stocks and indigenous cultures.
It also investigates the rise of environmental awareness and the formation of the International Whaling Commission (IWC).
The book uniquely emphasizes the voices and experiences of indigenous communities affected by whaling, providing a nuanced understanding of the social and cultural costs.
It progresses chronologically, beginning with the ecological roles of whales, moving through early whaling practices, commercial exploitation, the emergence of conservation, and finally, addressing modern challenges like climate change.