Whaling history dates back thousands of years, with early hunters targeting whales for their meat, blubber, and bones. Indigenous peoples, such as the Inuit and Maori, practiced sustainable whaling, using traditional methods to ensure the survival of whale populations. In the 17th century, commercial whaling expanded, particularly in Europe and North America. The invention of the harpoon and advancements in shipbuilding allowed whalers to hunt larger species, like the sperm whale and blue whale. This led to significant declines in whale populations, prompting international regulations in the 20th century to protect these marine mammals.