Despite international bans, there are still three whaling countries in the world today. Which countries are they, and why do they do it?

Three nations continue to hunt whales commercially, despite disappearing demand for whale meat and opposition from environmentalists and animal advocates. Here’s what you need to know about the declining whale industry, why it still exists — and the movement to stop whale hunting.

The SWIMS Act legislation, if passed in 2024, will end breeding and captivity of four whale species (actually large dolphins) for public display. It would apply to orcas, beluga whales, pilot whales, and false killer whales and would also amend the Marine Mammal Protection Act to prohibit live captures and exportation.

Under Japanese law, three species of whale are permitted to be hunted in its territorial waters and exclusive economic zones – endangered sei whales and threatened minke whales and Bryde’s ...

Are whales still endangered? Overall, the moratorium has been successful in enabling the whale population to recover. But there remain sharp variations between regions and species.