When did whaling end in South Georgia?
When did whaling end in South Georgia?
1966
The final whaling operations ended in Leith in 1966, bringing to an end an extensive period of exploitation, following the establishment of first station by Carl Anton Larsen at Grytviken in 1904. During that period South Georgia was the principle location for all land-based whaling in the Southern Hemisphere.
How many whales were killed and processed on South Georgia?
As the epicentre of whaling operations, it was here that whales were processed on an industrial scale — 175,250 whales were killed in factories across South Georgia (1904-1965). The largest ever blue whale (33.58 metres) was recorded at Grytviken.
How many whaling stations are in South Georgia?
seven whaling stations
Initially only blubber was taken and the carcass discarded, resulting in beaches strewn with bones along the coast line. By 1912, seven whaling stations had been established and South Georgia became known as the southern capital of whaling. Stations were built and operated as follows: 1904 to 1965.
Where is the South Georgia whaling station?
Stromness is an abandoned whaling station on the northern coast of South Georgia Island in the South Atlantic. It was the destination of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s rescue journey in 1916. It is the central of three harbours in the west side of Stromness Bay, South Georgia.
How many people live in Grytviken?
8 people
The official population of Grytviken is 8 people, but this grows to around 30 people in the summer, and fluctuates depending on the need for more personnel there. Most people living in Grytviken work for the South Georgia Heritage Trust, are members of the British military, or are customs officers.
When did Britain stop whaling?
Hector Whaling did so in 1960 and Salvesen in 1963, bringing to an end three and a half centuries of British involvement. Whaling product imports were banned in Britain in 1973.
What happened to Leith Harbour?
The centre of Leith Harbour is a graveyard with a second, larger, cemetery to the rear of the station. Due to its nature, the station also contained a factory and a flensing plan or platform. Since 2010 access to the station has been prohibited due to the dangers posed by asbestos and collapsing buildings.
Why did Grytviken close?
The station closed in December 1966 when dwindling whale stocks made it uneconomical. Grytviken no longer has permanent residents. It is temporarily inhabited during the summer months by a few staff who manage the South Georgia Museum.
Why does no one live on South Georgia?
South Georgia is claimed by Argentina They call the island “San Pedro” and their primary claim is based on proximity to Argentina. They have never had any permanent outpost on the island, and their claim is only recognized by a few neighboring countries in South America.
When did whaling stop in Nantucket?
In 1869 the bark Oak sailed from Nantucket, the last whaleship to depart, marking the end to nearly two centuries of island involvement in the whale fishery.
What is the history of whaling in South Georgia?
Pelagic whaling occurred from the late 1920s – the shore-based whaling industry on South Georgia declined due the scarcity of whales around the island. This was followed by a rapid expansion in whaling on the high seas of the Southern Oceans using factory ships (known as pelagic whaling). South Georgia was used for repair, maintenance and storage.
How many times was Lahaina shelled by whaling ships?
Riots broke out at least four times and Lahaina was shelled by whaling ships more than once. In 1931, a fort was built by the governor of Maui to protect the town from riotous whalers.
How did the whaling end in Hawaii?
End to Whaling, But Not the End of Whales in Hawaii. In 1859, petroleum oil was discovered in Titusville, Pennsylvania. This oil replaced the use of whale oil, eventually leading to the end of commercial whaling in Hawaii. Growing of sugarcane and profits from the sugar industry soon took the place of the whaling industry.
What happened to the whaling station at Stromness?
Sandefjord Whaling Co, the Southern Whaling and Sealing Company and the Vestfold Whaling Company operated the station until 1931, when it was converted for use as a major ship repair yard, operated by the South Georgia Company of Leith. Stromness Gazetteer here. Stromness Whaling Station. Stromness Whaling Station.
