Whales start hunting whale hunters

23 December, 2008, 14:27

Every third grey whale tries to attack Chukchi whale fishing boats in Russia’s Far East. As a result, whalers have to flee from the giants of the deep on a regular basis.

“This fact speaks for the natural aggression of the grey whale, which is the main target of the Chukchi whalers”, said Ivan Slugin, a leading expert on agriculture, food, and the protection of fauna in Chukotka.

Growing to lengths of 11 to15 metres and weighing anything from 15 to 35 tonnes, the whales are formidable adversaries.

“Fortunately, it has not led to tragedies, however once again it proves that whalers need more manoeuvrable boats and powerful engines,” Slugin added.

This year 5,000 sea mammals have been taken by whalers. The number has exceeds last year’s figure by 73. The dangerous grey whales accounted for127 of this year’s catch.

The quota for 2008 for the grey whale was set at 135.