Whaling in Japan struggles to make a profit
Nearly a year after leaving the International Whaling Commission and resuming commercial whaling, Japan's whaling industry is struggling to make a profit from whale meat sales.
Despite the Government committing to invest over 5 billion Yen (nearly £40m) in the industry, a lack of demand and falling prices, compounded by the coronovirus outbreak, are having a negative impact.
Commercial whaling has led to an increased supply of fresh meat but relies on demand from restaurants for sales. With establishments having to close during the pandemic, the price for whale meat has plummeted by 50% during the past month according to reports.
Frozen meat prices remain steady in supermarkets but with younger members of Japanese society showing little interest in eating whale meat, whalers are struggling to find a market for their product.
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