The eco guide to saving the whale

The whale plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of the oceans, which means that these days it's more a matter of the giant creatures saving us

When the whalers of the mid-19th century harpooned the planet's biggest marine mammals into near-oblivion, at least they took copious notes. These are now being used to better understand ocean science: if you enjoy a bit of historical ecology, you'll find them at whaling.oldweather.org.

I wish whaling was all historical, but right now the Japanese whaler Nisshin Maru is likely to be in hot pursuit of the Southern Ocean's remaining whales. At least they face opposition from direct action charity Sea Shepherd, which recently launched Ocean Warrior, a new anti-whaling vessel.