Deadly and easy to use

HARPOON cannons have been used in the whaling industry since the late 19th century.

It is mounted on the bow of a ship and can be easily aimed with a wide field of view at the target.

Some harpoons are solid steel, while others are fitted with a grenade that explodes on impact.

The whale is killed almost instantaneously.

Critics say the harpoon gun makes it harder to enforce a ban on killing, as it can fire from a considerable distance away.

Only Norway, Iceland and Japan oppose the moratorium on commercial whaling.