Logistic and ethical issues raised over whalebones

Plans to replace Whitby's famous Whale Bone Arch are facing a number of logistical and ethical obstacles, a council has said.

The feature, which is one the town's "most enjoyed landmarks", has stood at the top of West Cliff for more than 170 years, but despite being replaced in 2002 the structure is deteriorating.

Replacing the bones, however, has presented a series of challenges, including how to source and transport a fresh set from North America, but also whether or not to use real or replica bones.

​Whitby Town Council has asked North Yorkshire Council to undertake "urgent investigations" and to provide options for replacement, refurbishment, and alternatives such as imitation bones.

The last replacement bones came from Whitby's twin town of Barrow in Alaska after a worldwide appeal, from a whale that was killed legally by native Inuit in 1996, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Chris Bourne, North Yorkshire Council's head of harbours, who was involved in procuring the existing bones 25 years ago, said he is in communication with the mayor's office in Anchorage, Alaska, over the possibility of procuring a new set.

He said that Alaskan authorities "are currently trying to speak to those involved previously at North Slope Borough (Barrow)."

However, he added: ​"It would be likely the bones would be in a very remote location on the Arctic ice shelf and there would have to be a willingness for the residents to recover and move them to a suitable location."

​The bones would then require thorough cleaning before a logistics company would carry them on an aircraft, and the "biggest hurdle", according to the council, would be gaining the right permission to import the bones to the UK.

​The species, Balaena Mystecitus, is protected under CITES regulation, which led to a "lengthy, time-consuming process" last time.

​In addition to logistical and transport issues, ethical questions have also been raised about using the bones of an endangered species.

​A North Yorkshire Council said: "There is greater concern globally about hunting and it is somewhat less socially acceptable to display real bones."

As a result ​Whitby Town Council has been recommended to consider alternatives such as the use of imitation whale bones, which would "now be more fitting" alongside an information board.

​At a town council meeting in September 2024, members of the public highlighted the poor condition of the whale bones and the urgent need for maintenance.

However the council said it has not received any further response on the availability of whalebones from Alaska, but is "chasing the issue".

The Local Democracy Reporting Service has contacted the Municipality of Anchorage and Mayor Suzanne LaFrance for comment.

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