whaling
n. uncountablen. the activity of hunting and killing whales for their meat, oil, or other parts. It is a very old industry that is now mostly banned or strictly controlled around the world.
n. the practice or industry of hunting whales for commercial or subsistence purposes. Often discussed in the context of international maritime law and environmental conservation.
Many countries signed a treaty to stop commercial whaling.
While most nations have banned the practice, a few countries continue whaling under specific legal loopholes or for scientific research.
The historical prosperity of many coastal towns was built entirely upon whaling, though modern ecological concerns have since shifted the local economy toward whale-watching and tourism.
Typically used as an uncountable noun to describe the industry or activity as a whole.