What products were made from the whales that were killed during modern whaling?
The most important product of modern commercial whaling was oil. The oil rendered from the blubber of baleen whales was used to produce soap, margarine and other foodstuffs. From Sperm whales the collection of a waxy substance called ‘spermaceti’ was first used for lamp oil and then for specialised lubricants in the cosmetic, textile and leather industries, and in the making of pencils, crayons and candles. Meat from Sperm whales was used only for animal feed whilst from baleen whales it was used for human consumption. By 1950 meal for animal foodstuffs and chemical products became increasingly important. During post-war famine in Japan baleen whale meat became even more highly valued for human consumption. During the late 1970’s whale catches in the Antarctic were yielding 30% meat, 20% oil and 7% meal and solubles. (Alan 1980) In recent years many suitable alternatives have been found for most of these products. Notably among these is the oil extracted from the seeds of the jojaba sh
The most important product of modern commercial whaling was oil. The oil rendered from the blubber of baleen whales was used to produce soap, margarine and other foodstuffs. From Sperm whales the collection of a waxy substance called ‘spermaceti’ was first used for lamp oil and then for specialised lubricants in the cosmetic, textile and leather industries, and in the making of pencils, crayons and candles. Meat from Sperm whales was used only for animal feed whilst from baleen whales it was used for human consumption. By 1950 meal for animal foodstuffs and chemical products became increasingly important. During post-war famine in Japan baleen whale meat became even more highly valued for human consumption. During the late 1970’s whale catches in the Antarctic were yielding 30% meat, 20% oil and 7% meal and solubles. (Alan 1980) In recent years many suitable alternatives have been found for most of these products. Notably among these is the oil extracted from the seeds of the jojaba sh
