JAPAN/WHALES - Jap. violates international commission

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http://www.boston.com/dailynews/101/world/_Japan_Whaling_Fleet_Kills_440:.shtml

Japan Whaling Fleet Kills 440 Minke Whales in Controversial Hunt, Despite International Protest

P.R.Newswire, 4/11/2001 08:59

TOKYO, April 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Japan's whaling fleet is returning to port this week, concluding what may be the country's most controversial whale hunt since the International Whaling Commission (IWC) outlawed commercial whaling in 1986, the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW - www.ifaw.org) said today.

Despite IWC criticism, international protests, and the threat of trade sanctions by the US Government, Japan went ahead with its annual whale hunts for their 2000/2001 whaling season, citing a loop-hole in IWC regulations, which allow for the taking of whales for 'research' purposes. Japanese government officials have confirmed that the whaling fleet has killed 440 minke whales since mid-November 2000. This follows the taking of 43 Bryde's, 40 minke, and five sperm whales in this season's earlier hunt. This is the first whaling season in which the Japanese government has included the endangered Bryde's and sperm whales.

The 440 minke whales killed by Japanese whalers, were hunted in the Southern Ocean Sanctuary, an internationally protected whale sanctuary located in Antarctica and established, in-part, through the efforts of former US Vice-President Gore.

"As Japan's whaling fleet returns this week from another hunt, we are reminded again of Japan's continued disregard of the spirit and intent of IWC regulations," said IFAW President Fred O'Regan. "While Japan claims the hunt is for purely 'research' purposes, its factory ship is due to return to port tomorrow with hundreds of tons of packaged whale meat ready for the country's commercial meat markets."

"This hunt vividly illustrates Japan's determination to establish a commercial whaling industry under the guise of IWC scientific whaling," O'Regan said. "The IWC passed two resolutions at its 2000 meeting criticizing Japan for this action, and urging Japan not to continue with its annual whale hunts. Despite this, Japan has expanded its whaling take this season to include endangered Bryde's and sperm whales.

"The global community can not allow Japan to continue to flout international agreements under the guise of 'science'," O'Regan emphasized.

-- Anonymous, April 11, 2001


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