data over longer periods of time are also the most powerful for creating statistical models that are used to understand the dynamics of these populations. They sample every year because trend data is the most valuable data. so the research take is only 1/4 to 1/2 a percent. The Minke population has been estimated to be between 200,000 and 400,000 whales. ![]() They sample reproductive organs to determine how fast the Minke population is growing. This knowledge may help improve endangered whale stocks. They can use that data to determine to what degree the Minke whales are directly competing with other whale populations for food. Why the lethal sampling? From what I have come to understand, the stomach contents tell them what their diet consists of. There seems to be an aspect of the Japanese research program that doesn't get discussed or considered by the casual observer. I think there are a lot of reasons why this makes no sense, the primary being that since the IWC is voluntary, why the charade? However, back to the research. ![]() ![]() I've been trying to get my head around this show, and it seems that the fundamental issue most people have about it is that the Japanese are perpetrating a bogus research program for profit. I only care about two things (1) that healthy and sustainable whale non-endangered populations exist, and (2) if hunting must occur, that it be done in as humane a way as possible. I will start by disclosing that I am basically ambivalent about whaling.
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