Small Cetaceans Of Japan

This book summarizes and analyzes the biology, ecology, exploitation and management of small cetaceans in Japan. It describes the various types of cetacean fisheries in Japan and their historical development, the life histories and ecologies of the main species involved, and the history and problems of conservation and management. The data show that in some cases the number of small cetaceans harvested exceed sustainable limits and have led to depletion of populations. The book provides a case study of what can go wrong when the needs of industry and conservation collide. The descriptions of life history and ecology are relevant to issues of conservation and management, not just for cetaceans, but for all fisheries around the world.

This book summarizes and analyzes the biology, ecology, exploitation and management of small cetaceans in Japan. It describes the various types of cetacean fisheries in Japan and their historical development, the life histories and ecologies of the main species involved, and the history and problems of conservation and management. The data show that in some cases the number of small cetaceans harvested exceed sustainable limits and have led to depletion of populations. The book provides a case study of what can go wrong when the needs of industry and conservation collide. The descriptions of life history and ecology are relevant to issues of conservation and management, not just for cetaceans, but for all fisheries around the world.

Japan persists as one of the few countries in the world partaking in the hunting of cetaceans, the branch of the animal kingdom that includes whales, dolphins and porpoises. The International Whaling Commission's 1986 moratorium on commercial whaling has established a majority international opinion about the ethics of hunting cetaceans. Japan, however, does not adhere to this global trend. I argue that Japan's cetacean hunting policies are unjustified in light of customary international practice, and I attempt to show how Japanese policy can be informed by considering the intrinsic value of nature, in the form of both biocentric and ecocentric perspectives on environmental ethics. This is done by showing how existing frameworks of international law do account for the intrinsic value of cetaceans in both biocentric and ecocentric ways, and by demonstrating how Japanese practices are inconsistent with those of the global community.

This publication sets out the available information for the 72 species of odontocete cetaceans (toothed whales) which includes whales, dolphins and porpoises. Details are given on the distribution, population, biology and behaviour, migration patterns and risk factors for each species, with colour illustrations, maps and references to further information.

Review of existing information on small whale fisheries of the world, with catch statistics and biological data. Includes extensive bibliography.

Marine mammals attract human interest – sometimes this interest is benign or positive – whale watching, conservation programmes for whales, seals, otters, and efforts to clear beaches of marine debris are seen as proactive steps to support these animals. However, there are many forces operating to affect adversely the lives of whales, seals, manatees, otters and polar bears – and this book explores how the welfare of marine mammals has been affected and how they have adapted, moved, responded and sometimes suffered as a result of the changing marine and human world around them. Marine mammal welfare addresses the welfare effects of marine debris, of human traffic in the oceans, of noise, of hunting, of whale watching and tourism, and of some of the less obvious impacts on marine mammals – on their social structures, on their behaviours and migration, and also of the effects on captivity for animals kept in zoos and aquaria. There is much to think and talk about – how marine mammals respond in a world dramatically influenced by man, how are their social structures affected and how is their welfare impacted?