'We would not support the use of real whale bones' - Charity speaks out about replacement of iconic Whitby landmark
An iconic whalebone arch which has overlooked the historic British fishing port of Whitby for more than a century is at the centre of a row over what should replace it.
The 12ft high bones at the former whaling port are rapidly decaying and are in urgent need of replacement.
Local council chiefs are investigating whether to replace them with bones from a live whale caught by native Inuits in Alaska, or with those from a dead whale.
They are also considering trying to source replica bones.
However local wildlife conservationists have condemned officials for considering the use of real bones from either a dead or live whale saying it normalises that 'wildlife body parts are appropriate for public display.'
A whalebone arch has been a feature of Whitby's landscape since 1853.
At its peak, Whitby's port was one of the biggest in Britain with 55 whaling ships sailing from its harbour.
It is suggested that over 2,700 whales were caught throughout the 18th and 19th centuries.
It was last replaced in 2002 from bones taken from a Bowhead whale legally killed by a native Inuit from Whitby's twin town of Barrow, Alaska.
North Yorkshire Council has confirmed it is in discussions with Alaskan authorities at North Slope Borough (Barrow) about accessing real whale bones though it stresses that replica ones are also being considered.
However Alexandra Smith, manager of Whitby Wildlife Sanctuary, has said she would condemn any move to replace the bones with another set from either a live or dead whale.
She said: "While we recognise the historical significance of the Whitby whale bone arch, we would not support the use of real whale bones in its replacement.
"Whales are a protected species and even when bones are sourced from historic or non recent specimens, their continued use risks normalising the idea that wildlife body parts are appropriate for public display.
"We believe this can send the wrong message at a time when global conservation efforts are focused on protecting marine life and promoting ethical, sustainable practices.
"We would strongly welcome a more sustainable alternative, such as high quality replica, which can preserve the arch's cultural importance without involving real animal remains.
"This approach allows the history to be remembered while demonstrating modern values of conservation, respect for wildlife and environmental responsibility."
Chris Bourne, North Yorkshire Council's head of harbours, confirmed the authority was exploring ways to replace the bones.
However he admitted that even if they get access to real bones, there are several hurdles to bringing them back to the UK.
He says as the bones will be in a "remote location on the Arctic ice-shelf" local residents would have to willingly recover and move them to a safe location.
He said the bones would also need thorough cleaning before being able to transport them to the UK and permission would have to be granted to import them.
The Bowhead whale is endangered and is protected under CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) regulation.
Whitby Town Council has been recommended to also consider alternatives such as the use of imitation whale bones, alongside an information board.
North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for harbours, Cllr Mark Crane, said: “The whale bone arch has been a symbol of Whitby’s maritime heritage since 1853.
"The current arch was installed in 2002, and given the current state they are in and the limited time they can remain in place, discussions have started between ourselves, the town council and the Alaskan authorities to preserve one of the town’s most famous symbols.
"All options are being considered, but we believe using a replica would be more sustainable, durable and ethical.
"However, this is not a decision that will be made solely by ourselves and we will continue discussions with local stakeholders about preserving this local symbol."
The Mayor of Whitby, Cllr Sandra Turner has since called for the bones to stay.
She said: “Obviously, we want to retain our whale bones and we are in the process of working with North Yorkshire Council.
“They’re in contact with overseas bodies to see if we can get a replacement set.
“What I will say is, absolutely, we don’t condone the killing of any whales to replace the whale bones that we’ve got.”
However, she added: “If there is a set of whale bones that are just in store somewhere that can be put in place, then yes, that would be excellent.”
Whitby Town Council has formally asked North Yorkshire Council to undertake “urgent investigations” into the future of the whalebones.
North Yorkshire Council said they are chasing the issue.