Final answer:
The most suitable statistical method for studying commercial whale killings would include direct observation, whaling data review, and using the mark and recapture method to estimate whale populations, supplemented by interviews and electronic tracking.
Step-by-step explanation:
The best statistical method for an animal pro-conservation group to study the killing of whales for commercial purposes would likely involve a multifaceted approach. To obtain accurate data on how many whales are killed each year for commercial reasons, they might utilize direct observation methods, record reviews from whaling industry data, and also employ estimates based on the population density and mortality rates found using the mark and recapture method.
This method is particularly useful as it helps estimate population size by capturing a number of individuals, marking them, releasing them, and then recapturing another sample of individuals after some time to see how many marked individuals are recaptured. Combining these different methods would help provide a more comprehensive understanding of the impact of commercial whaling on whale populations.
Survey techniques such as interviews with fishers and the examination of commercial fishing logs could also be important to get a grasp on the number of whales being harvested. Electronic tracking and monitoring of tagged animals could offer insights into whale movements and potential interaction with commercial operations. Additionally, conservation biology literature, such as the work by Thompson et al. (2000), Traill et al. (2007), and others provide methodologies and case studies which could inform the design and implementation of a robust statistical analysis.