Whale Vomit: the facts

soundoff (2 Responses)

1. martha
   

   When I was a little girl, my mom told me about ambergris, and she also told me that it is used in perfume. Becky Anderson, you failed to tell anyone why ambergris is so valuable...rather shoddy report (sorry, u are a highly paid reporter, and information is your job)

   February 1, 2013 at 12:53 pm | Reply
   • alexmohacsCNN
     

     Martha, you make a good point – we've changed the headline to be more accurate. In regard your comments on Ambergris price, you are right that the perfume industry drives demand which in turn drives international price levels, but supply also plays a huge part. Sperm Whale numbers are far smaller than they used to be, and the moratorium on Whaling means that we can not simply harvest Ambergris either – it now needs to be found. There are also questions surrounding the legality of it's use in different countries around the world further affecting it's trade. As always, thanks for the comment. CNN Connect The World Team.

     February 1, 2013 at 3:33 pm | Reply