Whaling

Why do people hunt whales?

A long time ago, people used to hunt whales for their meat and also for the oil that comes from the whales' blubber. Today, killing whales is illegal in most places, because there are so few whales left in the world. People have also found much better sources of oil and food. But there are a few countries that still hunt whales, either for scientific research or for food. A few people also hunt whales as a way to preserve their traditional cultures.

Do people hunt Tongan whales?

The Tongans do not hunt whales. The king of Tonga banned the killing of whales in 1979. Even before that, the people of Tonga killed very few whales.

BUT, people do hunt the Tongan whales as they travel between Tonga and the Antarctic.

What else are whales good for?

Many people believe that whales, including humpbacks, are worth more when they are alive than when they are hunted for food. People travel from all over the world to see the whales and enjoy their beauty and their acrobatic tricks. These tourists spend a lot of money, which supports the people who live in Tonga and the other places where whales live.