Defiant Japanese whalers depart
Over 1,000 whales are targeted by the Japanese expedition
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Published by Gibson Square, out November 15th, 204 pages, £12. |  |
Sunday, 18, Nov 2007 10:37
Japan's whaling fleet has departed to hunt the endangered humpback whale for the first time in decades.
Around 50 humpbacks are due to be targeted by the expedition alongside 935 minke whales and 50 endangered fin whales.
Japanese involvement in whaling is justified on scientific grounds as commercial whaling is banned under a global moratorium adopted by the International Whaling Commission in 1986.
Environmental campaigners say the whale meat is used commercially for sale in restaurants and supermarkets, however.
"Our scientists have analysed footage of Japanese whaling which shows whales taking over half an hour to die a very slow and agonising death," Robbie Marsland, director of the International Fund for Animal Welfare, said.
"Killing endangered whales for products that nobody needs is beneath the dignity of a great nation like Japan."
Last week saw an independent panel of legal experts conclude that Japan's whaling activities are illegal under international law.
Despite the opposition, team leader Hajima Ishikawa expressed his determination to continue with the expedition at a departure ceremony.
"Although we are subjected to vicious blocking tactics by environmental groups, we have to continue this into the future," the Kyodo news agency quoted Mr Ishikawa as saying.