Whale hunting is a big business. Whether it is done in the name of science or research doesn't matter. Even the European countries that hunt whales sell much of what they take to another country. One whale is worth 1 MILLION dollars.
As far as Japan's annual whale hunt and dolphin slaughter, someone mentioned the blubber being in freezers. No, they eat all, but there is a dangerously high level of mercury in marine mammal meat, and yes, there is a high rate of cancer in Japan.
Will the whale go extinct from hunting? Probably. Unfortunately for most of us adults, we won't be around to see that happen, and the future generations won't be able to see these wonderful animals.
Want to help? Join organizations that are out there physically fighting for our ocean animals. Greenpeace, Sea Shepherd, Whales Alive, and many others would love the support. Sea Shepherd even allows folks to be crew!!