What is the reason for killing whales?

Whales have been hunted for a variety of reasons throughout history. Some of the main reasons for killing whales include:

- Food: Whale meat and blubber were traditionally used as a source of food for many coastal communities around the world.

- Oil: Whale oil was used as a source of fuel and lighting prior to the development of petroleum-based products.

- Whalebone: The baleen plates of some whale species were used in a variety of products, such as corsets, umbrellas, and whips.

- Spermaceti: A waxy substance found in the head of sperm whales was used in the production of candles and cosmetics.

- Ambergris: A rare and valuable substance produced in the digestive tract of sperm whales, used in perfumery.

In modern times, commercial whaling is no longer as widespread as it once was, due to international regulations and conservation efforts. However, some limited whaling still occurs in some regions for subsistence or cultural purposes.