I see whales as a resource much like other ocean creatures (tuna, sea bass, crab, lobster, etc...) I dont see too many people complaining about these tasty creatures.
As long as these are processed for food, then I dont see it as something horrible. There are limits to the number of whales these ships can kill.
As per the show, i consider the members of the Steve Irwin as hostile, aggressive, and terrorists. I wonder why the whaling ship has not fired a harpoon across their bow to defend themselves.