Supply and Demand in the Japanese Whale Meat Market. (February 16, 2006)

The journal Nature reports in its February 16 issue:

Even as Japan plans to significantly increase the number of whales it kills for scientific research, the Japanese are turning up their noses at the pungent, chewy meat. The government sells on carcasses for public consumption, but no one seems to be wildly enthusiastic. 65% more whale meat reached the market in 2005, compared with a decade earlier. 60% more minke whales will be killed this year compared with last year under government targets. 30% was the drop in the price of whale meat between 1999 and 2004.

 

Who knows, market forces may yet be the minke's best friend.