They were considered the “right ” whales to hunt. Why? Being slow swimmers, they were an easy catch, even for whalers in frail wooden boats that were equipped with only handheld harpoons.
Kuna lõunavaalad on aeglased ujujad, olid nad kerge saak vaalaküttidele, kes võisid läheneda neile isegi väikse puupaadiga, kaasas vaid käsiharpuun.