South Seas Whale Fisheries
1790
The expeditions of Captain Cook have brought back new charts of the South Seas including his recent discoveries. Captain Cook encountered many British ships sailing the South Seas and an artist with his expedition has captured the scene of British whalers engaged in this most important industry.
There are now more than 80 British whaleships operating in the South Seas. London alone has a fleet of sixty vessels. The South Seas are becoming more important than the Northern Seas for the hunting of whales. Demand for whale products has never been higher.