| During October of 1997, 698 adult,
English-speaking U.S. residents were interviewed using a standardized
computer-assisted telephone interview to assess awareness and knowledge of
international whale populations, current international regulations, and
sustainable use concepts; opinions on and attitudes toward the sustainable
use of animals, including non-endangered whales; and opinions on and
attitudes toward whaling as it relates to cultural traditions and dietary
needs.
The survey questionnaire was developed by
Responsive Management. A pre-test of the survey was conducted on October
10, 1997. Fieldwork for the survey began October 11, 1997 and lasted until
October 16, 1997.
Low knowledge levels were revealed. Almost
three-quarters of U.S. residents (73%) said they know only a little or
nothing about whales. One-quarter (26%) indicated they know a moderate
amount, while 2% said they know a great deal about whales. As well,
respondents were asked to describe the status of whale populations
worldwide. No respondents said whales are extinct, although 24% said whales
are endangered. Another quarter of U.S. residents (27%) described whale
populations worldwide as threatened. Eighteen percent said declining, 8%
said stable, while 3% said increasing. Eighteen percent did not know, and
3% could not answer because it would depend on the species of whale. When
asked about the status of whale harvesting worldwide, 46% did not know and
40% said limited whaling is allowed. Less than 10% said there is an
international ban on whaling (8%) or thought there are no regulations on
whale harvesting (7%).
Even lower knowledge levels were displayed
when asked about the minke whale in particular. Almost all U.S. residents
(92%) said they know nothing about minke whales. In addition, respondents
were asked to describe the status of the minke whale population worldwide.
Ninety percent said don't know. Between 1% and 3% of respondents said minke
whales are extinct, endangered, threatened, declining, stable, or
increasing.
Over three-quarters of U.S. residents
(77%) expressed support for the International Whaling Commission treaty to
support the conservation of whales and to support the orderly development
of the whaling industry. One third of U.S. residents thought there are some
species of whale for which there could be a sustainable harvest, however, a
similar number (29%) disagree that this is the case, while 39% did not
know.
Respondents were asked if they would
support or oppose the harvest of minke whales if they knew several items
about the harvest of minke whales. Respondents were told that the minke
whale is not endangered and the International Whaling Commission estimates
there are 1 million minke whales worldwide. Harvested minke whales would be
used for food; the harvest of minke whales is an aspect of the culture for
some nations and for some groups of people; and the harvest of minke whales
would be regulated by the International Whaling Commission which would set
a worldwide limit on the number of whales to be harvested each year to
ensure there would be no impact to overall minke whale population numbers.
The majority of U.S. residents (71%) supported the harvest of minke whales
under these conditions. Eighteen percent opposed minke whale harvest, while
10% had no opinion or did not know. |
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