Japan’s decision to resume whaling in Antarctic waters has been condemned both by Australia and New Zealand. The so-called “scientific” ships might face some obstacles in order to keep their Southern Ocean whale huntership. According to the Japanese Fisheries Agency, the International Whaling Commission received information that Japan would resume whaling during the 2015/16season. This is despite a March 2014 recommendation from the International Court of Justice that Japan cease all whaling. Tokyo was forced to cancel all its whaling activities during the 2014/15season by the International Court of Justice. Sea Shepherd activists often drove Japanese whaling vessels, dropped butyric acid on their decks, and even got onto the ships. A crewmember on a Japanese whaling ship shot Captain Watson in the head, striking his bulletproof vest. Whale Wars on Animal Planet highlighted the incident. Sea Shepherd Conservation Society says there are no plans to pursue Japanese whaling ships this year. Its current focus is on the northern part of the hemisphere. Todd McClay, New Zealand’s Acting Foreign Minister expressed his deep dismay at the Japanese government’s decision. New Zealand strongly opposes whaling of the Southern Ocean. Japan should heed the 2014 International Court of Justice’s decision as well as international scientific advice regarding their whaling activities. Members of Sea Shepherd Conservation Society estimate that this would result in nearly 4000 whales being killed over the coming 12 year, from the Ross Sea in Antarctica east to the South Atlantic. Greg Hunt, Australia’s Environment Minister said that they do not support the idea of whale killings as part of “scientific research.” Michael Lawry from Sea Shepherd New Zealand, Sea Shepherd director said about Japan’s decision, “We had anticipated this might happen. They’re violating a lot of rules…they’re going against international opinion…and they’re shooting themselves in their own foot diplomatically. They will have to take action and begin looking into sanctions. However, I doubt they will.” Japan could be considered a “pirate whaling country” if it keeps whaling in spite of the International Court of Justice’s recommendation. Mr. Lawry said. Japan insists eating whale is part its culture, and most species of whale aren’t endangered. It started so-called “scientific whaling” in 1987, shortly after the international whaling moratorium was implemented. The industry’s Southern Ocean whaling haul fell to a new record by Japanese officials in April . Sea Shepherd activists were responsible for the ‘unforgiveable sabotage’. Sea Shepherd Video: Whales around Australian Waters This appeal was launched by Sea Shepherd two years ago in order to save whales living in Australian seas. It is feared that these giant aquatic mammals may be endangered once again.
Japan resumes Antarctic whaling – Australia, New Zealand condemn decision
