New whale species may have been found

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the potential identification of a new species of baleen whale by Japanese scientists, as reported in various articles. Participants explore the implications of this discovery, including ethical considerations surrounding whale research and hunting practices.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants reference a CNN article claiming that Japanese scientists have identified a new species of whale, pending confirmation.
  • Another participant shares a citation from a Nature article discussing the discovery of the new baleen whale species.
  • One participant expresses skepticism about the motivations behind whale hunting, suggesting a quick reaction to kill the newly discovered species.
  • There is a discussion about the ethics of killing whales for research, with some participants noting that certain Japanese research vessels engage in this practice.
  • Another participant comments on the irony of killing whales to study their reproduction, questioning the sustainability of such practices.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of curiosity about the new whale species and concern over the ethical implications of whale hunting for research. There is no consensus on the appropriateness of these practices or the motivations behind them.

Contextual Notes

Participants' statements reflect varying assumptions about the legitimacy and ethics of whale research and hunting, with some comments potentially lacking broader context regarding international regulations and conservation efforts.

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http://www.cnn.com/2003/TECH/science/11/19/japan.whale.ap/index.html

Japanese scientists say they have identified a new species of whale -- a remarkable discovery if confirmed.

The animal is a type of baleen, the family of whales that strain tiny plankton and other food from seawater, the researchers say.
 
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Unbelievable you scooped me!

I was just going to start a thread on this..
here is the Nature article:

Shiro Wada et al.: A newly discovered species of living baleen whale. In: Nature, Vol. 426, p. 278-281 (2003)
 
"Hey look, a new animal we ain't never seen before. Quick, get the harpoon, Let's kill it!"



Read the quote ||
\/
 
Originally posted by Monique
Unbelievable you scooped me!

I'm suprised Ivan did not scooped me
 
They kill whales for research?
 
Well, i know that at least some Japanese 'research vessels' do...and since the whales are already dead, they might as well just cut it up into edible little pieces and ship them off to well respected restaurants.

But they may not be representative of the entire research of the world.
 
Originally posted by einsteinian77
They kill whales for research?
It is worse, they kill wales to find out how wales multiply. Not.. if you keep fishing them..
 

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