Japan’s first commercial whaling expedition in over 30 years has officially begun, and the five-vessel fleet has already caught their first whales.
In December of last year, the country announced plans to leave the International Whaling Commission (IWC) after failing to convince the organization to allow whaling under what they consider to be “sustainable quotas.” Japan’s departure from the IWC took effect on July 1 — the same day they resumed commercial whaling activities.
Members of the IWC agreed to a worldwide whale hunting ban in 1986 to allow the recovery of whale populations after hunting brought them to the brink of extinction during the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Japan’s decision to withdraw from the agreement was met with widespread international criticism from activists and conservation groups, including more than 21,000 people who signed LFT’s petition urging Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to reverse the country’s decision to leave IWC.
SIGN: Stop Japan’s Deadly Plan to Bring Back Commercial Whaling
In defense of their exit, Japan argued that eating and hunting whales are integral components of their culture. Although whales have been hunted for centuries in some Japanese coastal communities, it’s hardly a tradition in most areas. It was only after a food shortage during World War II that consumption of whale meat became common throughout the country.
Under an exemption to the ban that allows whaling for scientific purposes, Japan has hunted between 200 and 1,200 whales annually since 1987. Many believe that the whales were hunted strictly for food under the guise of “research,” as evidenced by the fact that their meat usually ended up for sale.
Japan’s fisheries ministry set a seasonal kill cap totaling 227 animals, including 55 minke, 150 Bryde’s, and 25 sei whales. All three species are protected by the IWC, and sei whales are classified as endangered under the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Minke and Bryde’s whales are considered at risk of becoming endangered – an all-too-realistic prospect as commercial whaling vessels begin leaving Japanese ports, armed with harpoons.
We need to punish Japan for resuming whale hunting because this is not acceptable because whales are not meant to be hunted as they used to be. The only things that can hunt them are predators like orcas. Put a stop to this whale hunting and let Japan no never too hunt them again.
WHY? This must end now!!!!!!!
In what section of Japanese culture is whaling considered significant? Whilst this may have existed in the past, I fail to see how it is considered relevant to a nation that prides itself on innovation and technology. Furthermore, why would a progressive Government wish to position themselves OUTSIDE gloab organizations such as the IWC? It makes so sense. Grustratingly, the issues associated with whaling appeared to be overlooked at the recent G 20 summit in Osaka.
When will we ALL get the message : there is no life on a dead planet.
Why am I not surprised by Japan’s whaling? I have nothing against them. But pls look at their history. They have done mass butchering of humans during Japanese occupation in Asia. So for them to do whaling is nothing shocking! And to expect anything else is ridiculous. Well, there is something called Karma
Japan! How can you be so cruel?
WHAT is it GOING to TAKE to MAKE YOU STOP YOUR SADISTIC HOROR AGAINST WHALES — are you ADDICTED to KILLING? — you are disrespectfully defying the International Commission — let the WHALES LIVE — STOP your SICK URGE to KILL.
I can easily imagine Abe gained endorsement for this from Trump during the G20 in Osaka.
Yes, this is yet another Trump effect. Trump straightforwardly represents white AmeriKKKa, which has become blatantly racist, nationalistic, isolationist and egoistic.
And the Trump effect has extended to some other nations … most notably the bloody UK (the most faithful sidekick to US) with Brexit and Boris.
Meanwhile, JPN’s Abe and his pathetic govt have been jubilant about Trump being US president, and happily and comfortably resigned from the International Whaling Commission, which can be somewhat compared to Brexit.
What does this have TO DO with the cruel, unconscionable, depraved industry of WHALING, which the world really does NOT NEED — why is Japan holding out? — LET THE WHALES LIVE!
STOP stop the whaling!! NOW
This has to be condemned. The Japanise must not be allowed to resume this plunder of the oceans!
Leave the whales alone.they deserve to live. Grow vegetables.
Dreadful – Just Stop already! Enough of the flagrant disregard for responsibility to the planet and wildlife.
Justice, compassion, laws, life, LOVE for the animals 🙏 Please 🙏
JUST STOP