A row has erupted over an iconic sculpture in a North Yorkshire seaside beauty spot after a council said it was considering using real whale bones.
Whitby’s 12ft high Whale Bone Arch is decaying despite being replaced in 2002, with council chiefs weighing up whether to source new bones from a dead whale.
There is also the possibility that replica bones could be used on the tourist landmark that has stood at the top of West Cliff for more than 170 years.
However, local wildlife conservationists have condemned officials for considering the use of real bones, saying it normalises the idea that ‘wildlife body parts are appropriate for public display’.
North Yorkshire Council has confirmed it is in discussions with Alaskan authorities at North Slope Borough, in Barrow, about accessing real whale bones, though it stresses that replica ones are also being considered.
Alexandra Smith, manager of Whitby Wildlife Sanctuary, has said she would condemn any move to replace the bones with another set from either a live or dead whale.
She said: ‘While we recognise the historical significance of the Whitby whale bone arch, we would not support the use of real whale bones in its replacement.
‘Whales are a protected species and even when bones are sourced from historic or non-recent specimens, their continued use risks normalising the idea that wildlife body parts are appropriate for public display.
Whitby’s 12ft high Whale Bone Arch is decaying despite being replaced in 2002, with council chiefs weighing up whether to source new bones from a dead or live whale
The old bones of a 113-ton Fin Whale which were once used for the Whitby arch but were found by a roadside in 2013
‘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.
‘We would strongly welcome a more sustainable alternative, such as high quality replica, which can preserve the arch’s cultural importance without involving real animal remains.
‘This approach allows the history to be remembered while demonstrating modern values of conservation, respect for wildlife and environmental responsibility.’
North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for harbours, Cllr Mark Crane, said: ‘The whale bone arch has been a symbol of Whitby’s maritime heritage since 1853.
‘It was installed in 2002, and, given the current state it is in and the limited time it can remain in place, discussions have begun around the options to replace the current bones and preserve one of the town’s most famous symbols.
‘We strongly believe using a replica would be more sustainable, durable and ethical and have made our position on this clear. We are considering a number of options for replica bones using different materials.
‘Obviously even if real bones were to be used, they would come from a whale that has died naturally.’
Chris Bourne, North Yorkshire Council’s head of harbours, confirmed the authority was exploring ways to replace the bones.
He admitted that even if they get access to real bones, there are several hurdles to bringing them back to the UK.
He says as the bones will be in a ‘remote location on the Arctic ice-shelf’, residents would have to recover and move them to a safe location willingly.
He said the bones would also need thorough cleaning before being able to transport them to the UK, and permission would have to be granted to import them.
There is also the possibility that replica bones could be used on the tourist landmark that has stood at the top of West Cliff for more than 170 years
The Bowhead whale is endangered and is protected under CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) regulation.
Whitby Town Council has been recommended to also consider alternatives such as the use of imitation whale bones, alongside an information board.
North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for harbours, Cllr Mark Crane, said: ‘The whale bone arch has been a symbol of Whitby’s maritime heritage since 1853.
‘The current arch was installed in 2002, and given the current state they are in and the limited time they can remain in place, discussions have started between ourselves, the town council and the Alaskan authorities to preserve one of the town’s most famous symbols.
‘All options are being considered, but we believe using a replica would be more sustainable, durable and ethical.
‘However, this is not a decision that will be made solely by ourselves and we will continue discussions with local stakeholders about preserving this local symbol.’
The Mayor of Whitby, Cllr Sandra Turner, has since called for the bones to stay.
She said: ‘Obviously, we want to retain our whale bones and we are in the process of working with North Yorkshire Council.
’They’re in contact with overseas bodies to see if we can get a replacement set.
‘What I will say is, absolutely, we don’t condone the killing of any whales to replace the whale bones that we’ve got.’
She added: ‘If there is a set of whale bones that are just in store somewhere that can be put in place, then yes, that would be excellent.’
Whitby Town Council has formally asked North Yorkshire Council to undertake ‘urgent investigations’ into the future of the whalebones.
North Yorkshire Council said it is chasing the issue.
At its peak, Whitby’s port was one of the biggest in Britain with 55 whaling ships sailing from its harbour.
It is suggested that over 2,700 whales were caught throughout the 18th and 19th centuries.
The sculpture was last replaced in 2002 from bones taken from a Bowhead whale legally killed by a native Inuit from Whitby’s twin town of Barrow, Alaska.
