Whaling history up close: special exhibition on Virginia” in Vegesack!

Whaling history up close: special exhibition on Virginia” in Vegesack!

A look into Bremen's maritime history shows a fascinating episode of whaling, which now comes to life in an exhibition at Schönebeck Castle. Under the title “Bremen Whaling in the South Seas – 1836 – 1862”, visitors are invited to discover the history of this important time until August 31st. Vegesack was the home port of the Bremen whaling fleet for over 220 years and thus plays a central role in the maritime narrative of the region. The whaling that took place in Bremen from 1653 to 1872 not only has historical dimensions, but also raises questions about ethical aspects and the protection of the marine world.

Particularly noteworthy is the period from 1836 to 1862, when whaling in the South Seas was particularly important. The first whaling captain from Bremen to reach the South Seas was Jürgen Dietrich Krudop with his ship “Virginia”. This voyage is not only a maritime achievement, but also the first circumnavigation of the world by a Bremen captain on a Bremen ship. The route went around Africa to Australia and New Zealand and then back around Cape Horn. The crew of the “Virginia” mostly came from Vegesack and the surrounding area, thereby laying another foundation for the maritime tradition of the region.

History of whaling

Whaling itself has a long and complex history, dating back up to 7,000 years. Whales were hunted and their parts used as early as the Viking Age. For many indigenous peoples, including the Eskimos, whaling was a lifestyle that allowed them to use all parts of the animal. During industrial whaling, which was widespread until the late 1980s, there was a dramatic decline in large whale populations. These animals are considered intelligent and have complex social structures, which makes their protection all the more urgent.

The advent of petroleum replaced the use of whale oil, a previously essential raw material for lighting and other industrial processes. The high demand resulted in whales being almost wiped out. Even though only a few countries, including Japan, Norway and Iceland, still practice whaling today, the discussion surrounding the hunting of these majestic animals remains hotly contested. Internationally, a large number of agreements, such as the 1986 moratorium, are in force to regulate whaling.

Political aspects and the path to protection

The International Whaling Commission (IWC) plays a central role in the international protection of whale stocks. It was originally founded to regulate the management of large whale populations and has since also taken care of the protection of endangered dolphin and bottlenose dolphin populations. Awareness of nature conservation and species protection has increased since the founding of the IWC. The commission meets annually in one of the 88 member states and tries to find a balance between the whaling interests of some nations and the protection of whale populations.

While many countries are critical of whaling, whaling nations are increasingly calling for the normalization of the IWC and the lifting of the moratorium. These tensions show that the issue is still of great importance today.

The exhibition in Schönebeck Castle is therefore not only a look back at the past, but also an invitation to deal with the challenges of whaling and the preservation of marine ecosystems. Guided tours for groups are offered to give those interested a deeper insight into the history of whaling and its significance for Bremen. Don't miss the opportunity to learn more about this diverse and eventful history!