Whaling is hunting and killing whales. The speed and weight of blue whales made it hard for whalers to catch them at first. But in the early 1900s, whalers designed new weapons and tools, and they began catching thousands of blue whales every year.

Whaling became a big business, where people wanted whale oil to use for soap, candles, lamps, and margarine. They used other parts for meat and fertiliser. In 1966, the International Whaling Commission made it illegal to hunt blue whales.

Other Threats to Blue Whales
Whaling is illegal today, but blue whales face other threats that are unspeakable!