Whalers are individuals or groups engaged in the hunting of whales for their meat, blubber, and other products. This practice has a long history, dating back thousands of years, and was particularly prominent in the 18th and 19th centuries. Whaling was driven by the demand for whale oil, which was used for lighting lamps and making soap, among other things. Today, whaling is heavily regulated due to concerns about the conservation of whale populations and the impact on marine ecosystems. Many countries have banned commercial whaling, while others, like Japan and Norway, continue to hunt whales under specific conditions. International organizations, such as the International Whaling Commission (IWC), work to protect whale species and promote sustainable practices.