Japan gives up humpback hunt

A moratorium on the hunting of the species was declared in the 1960s

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Friday, 21, Dec 2007 12:04

Japan has announced that it will stop hunting humpback whales in the Antarctic for a few years after fierce opposition to the plan.

A worldwide moratorium on the killing of the endangered species of whales was declared in the 1960s.

Earlier Japan had announced that it planned to hunt close to a thousand minke and fin whales as well as 50 humpbacks.

However, Japan insists that it will stick to its plans to kill other species of whale.

Speaking at a press conference, government spokesman Nobutaka Machimura said: "Japan has decided not to catch humpback whales for one year or two."

Mr Machimura said opposition to the proposed expedition, particularly from ally Australia, had resulted in the decision.

He added that he hoped ties with Australia, which sent patrol ships to the area, would improve after the government's change of heart.

Japanese officials say the species has to be hunted for purposes of scientific research.