Councils in North Yorkshire are considering sustainable replacement options for the town’s historic whalebone arch.
The landmark in Whitby town was first installed in 1853 and its current form is built from Bowhead whale bones that were lawfully hunted by indigenous Inuit groups from Barrow, Alaska, the sister town of Whitby.
After having been replaced in 1963 and 2003, the landmark is deteriorating and requires another refresh.
North Yorkshire Council is considering multiple options for the replacement, including the use of manufactured replicas or sourcing remains from whales that have died naturally.
However, local conservation groups have opposed the idea of rebuilding the structure using authentic whale remains and argued that it would be inappropriate to present them in a display.
A spokesperson for Whitby Wildlife Sanctuary said: ‘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.’
The group has instead advocated for the use of a high-quality replica, while suggesting that the original whale bones should be displayed independently with accompanying information to ensure an educational approach.
North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for harbours, Cllr Mark Crane, said: ‘We strongly believe using a replica would be more sustainable, durable and ethical and have made our position on this clear.’
He added: ‘Obviously even if real bones were to be used, they would come from a whale that has died naturally.’
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