What Did the Romans Ever Do For Whales?

Archeological investigations around the Straits of Gibraltar have revealed the bones of Grey and Northern Right Whales (both species that will come into relatively shallow waters), dating back to Roman times (https://www.theguardian.com/science/2018/jul/11/romans-had-whale-industry-archeological-excavation-suggests). This has suggested, to some people, that the Romans operated a whaling industry but the possibility remains that these bones are from stranding events. Romans (and pre-Romans) are not likely to have 'looked such a gift horse in the mouth' (either as food or objects of veneration).