No, whaling is not essential to humanity's survival, but it is important to note that whaling provides jobs and a way of life for many people in different parts of the world, namely Japan. It is not possible to eliminate whaling without providing a viable alternative for those whose livelihoods depend upon it. Since it is not likely that whalers would embrace a different form of employment, the most realistic solution would be to closely monitor whaling practices and to try to slowly introduce whalers to other jobs, probably ones involved with or in the fishing industry (although, with today's over-fished waters, that's quickly becoming contentious, as well).