Menu
11/11/2005
UK urges Japan to abandon 'scientific' whaling
As Japan's whaling fleet sets sail to make one of its largest catches in years, UK Fisheries Minister Ben Bradshaw has condemned Japan's decision to go ahead with its whaling programme in the Southern Ocean.
Mr Bradshaw said: "Japan is flying in the face of world opinion. This slaughter has little or no basis in science and I would urge Japan not to proceed."
The lethal catch programme, known as JARPA II, will start within days and the Japanese ships are already enroute for the ocean off Antarctica.
Under the programme, Japan plans to increase its minke whale kill from 440 to 935 annually.
It will also kill 10 fin whales this year and 10 next. From 2007-08, Japan plans to increase the kill of fin whales to 50 and then include 50 humpback whales annually.
Amid serious difficulties in establishing accurate population numbers of many whale species, fin and humpback whales remain on the World Conservation Union's (IUCN) List of Threatened Species.
The majority of members of the International Whaling Commission's (IWC) Scientific Committee expressed serious concern about all aspects of the JARPA II proposal four months ago.
While IWC members adopted a resolution calling on Japan to withdraw its proposal for an increase in scientific whaling, the organisation has no power to prevent "scientific" programmes.
The UK Government says that it remains opposed to all forms of commercial whaling and will continue to fight for the protection and welfare of all whale species. Past hunting by the world's whaling nations has pushed these species to the brink of extinction.
Environmental and conservation groups have condemned the JARPA programme as commercial whaling by stealth, claiming that many of the objectives of the scientific programme could be achieved by using non-lethal methods.
(SP/GB)
Mr Bradshaw said: "Japan is flying in the face of world opinion. This slaughter has little or no basis in science and I would urge Japan not to proceed."
The lethal catch programme, known as JARPA II, will start within days and the Japanese ships are already enroute for the ocean off Antarctica.
Under the programme, Japan plans to increase its minke whale kill from 440 to 935 annually.
It will also kill 10 fin whales this year and 10 next. From 2007-08, Japan plans to increase the kill of fin whales to 50 and then include 50 humpback whales annually.
Amid serious difficulties in establishing accurate population numbers of many whale species, fin and humpback whales remain on the World Conservation Union's (IUCN) List of Threatened Species.
The majority of members of the International Whaling Commission's (IWC) Scientific Committee expressed serious concern about all aspects of the JARPA II proposal four months ago.
While IWC members adopted a resolution calling on Japan to withdraw its proposal for an increase in scientific whaling, the organisation has no power to prevent "scientific" programmes.
The UK Government says that it remains opposed to all forms of commercial whaling and will continue to fight for the protection and welfare of all whale species. Past hunting by the world's whaling nations has pushed these species to the brink of extinction.
Environmental and conservation groups have condemned the JARPA programme as commercial whaling by stealth, claiming that many of the objectives of the scientific programme could be achieved by using non-lethal methods.
(SP/GB)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
17 January 2006
UK in diplomatic protest over Japanese ‘scientific’ whaling
The UK, along with 16 other countries, has presented a formal diplomatic representation to the Japanese Government urging it to stop its Antarctic whaling programme.
UK in diplomatic protest over Japanese ‘scientific’ whaling
The UK, along with 16 other countries, has presented a formal diplomatic representation to the Japanese Government urging it to stop its Antarctic whaling programme.
01 February 2007
Government launches save the whale initiative
The government has launched an initiative to enlist more countries around the world to the anti-whaling cause.
Government launches save the whale initiative
The government has launched an initiative to enlist more countries around the world to the anti-whaling cause.
10 February 2006
WDCS claims whales being made into 'dog food'
A conservation group has claimed that whale meat produced in Japan’s scientific whaling programme is being turned into dog food. The Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society says that Japan’s stockpile of whale meat has doubled in the past decade as a result of more and more animals being killed each year.
WDCS claims whales being made into 'dog food'
A conservation group has claimed that whale meat produced in Japan’s scientific whaling programme is being turned into dog food. The Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society says that Japan’s stockpile of whale meat has doubled in the past decade as a result of more and more animals being killed each year.
06 August 2003
Iceland to restart whaling for 'scientific research'
Iceland has announced that it is to restart whaling – after a 14-year hiatus – so as to carry out "further scientific research" on the mammals, the country's Fisheries Ministry has announced.
Iceland to restart whaling for 'scientific research'
Iceland has announced that it is to restart whaling – after a 14-year hiatus – so as to carry out "further scientific research" on the mammals, the country's Fisheries Ministry has announced.
21 August 2003
RSPCA urge boycott of Icelandic fish after whale kill
The RSCPA has urged UK shoppers to "think twice" about buying Icelandic fish after the country's whaling expedition killed a number of Minke whales. The RSPCA has condemned Iceland's resumption of whaling which, they claim, is being carried out using exploding grenade harpoons "responsible for the agonizing deaths of whales around the world".
RSPCA urge boycott of Icelandic fish after whale kill
The RSCPA has urged UK shoppers to "think twice" about buying Icelandic fish after the country's whaling expedition killed a number of Minke whales. The RSPCA has condemned Iceland's resumption of whaling which, they claim, is being carried out using exploding grenade harpoons "responsible for the agonizing deaths of whales around the world".
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
