Only the Japanese adopt that legalistic position. The IWC regs admit of at least(only?) 3 conditions under which member nations may legally engage in whaling.

Objection: A country formally objects to the IWC moratorium, declaring itself exempt. e.g. Norway
Scientific: A nation issues unilateral 'scientific permits', any IWC member can do this. e.g. Japan
Aboriginal: IWC grants permits to indigenous groups for subsistence food. e.g. Eskimos (Alaskan Inupiat to be PC)

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Eudaimonia