Commercial whaling continues in Norway, Iceland, and Japan despite an IWC moratorium, causing significant welfare harm through prolonged, painful deaths.
Large whale killing causes profound welfare harm. Modern explosive harpoons do not always achieve rapid death, with significant proportions of whales experiencing prolonged dying. The cognitive and emotional complexity of cetaceans amplifies the welfare significance of this suffering. Consumer boycotts of products from whaling nations and diplomatic pressure to end the practice are the primary levers available to those concerned about whale welfare.