Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Seas

by Jules Verne

‘What would be the point? Hunting simply to destroy! We have no use for whale oil on board.’ ‘Nevertheless, monsieur,’ persisted the Canadian, ‘in the Red Sea you authorized us to chase a dugong!’ ‘We needed fresh meat for my crew. Here, it would be killing for killing’s sake. I realize that it is one of man’s privileges, but I cannot condone these murderous pastimes. By destroying the Antarctic whale like the right whale, inoffensive and good creatures as they are, your fellows commit a damnable action, Master Land. They have already emptied the whole of Baffin Bay, and will eventually destroy a class of useful animals. So leave the unfortunate whales in peace. They already have enough problems with their natural enemies,* the sperm whales, the swordfish, and the sawfish, without you interfering.’

Lorax of the Seas