Today we delivered the Give Whales A Voice speech, made from the voices of the thousands of Australians who recorded their word, to a packed press conference at the IWC here in Agadir.
The speech, which received a resounding applause, showed that Australians are resolutely opposed to whaling because it is - and always will be - inherently cruel.
Over the last twenty years the whaling nations have met with global condemnation for flouting the ban on whaling and killing over 25,000 whales. But the compromise currently being discussed behind closed doors by the IWC could see 13,000 more whales killed in the next ten years.
For us, one whale killed is one too many because whaling cannot be done humanely. The footage we also showed at the press conference reinforced this message. From a recent investigation conducted by WSPA, the Norwegian Society for the Protection of Animals and Noah, the video highlighted the welfare problems inherent in the whaling industry.
There is no humane way to kill a whale at sea. A whale that is harpooned suffers a slow and painful death at the hands of whalers. WSPA’s message to the IWC is that voting in favour of the compromise proposal is legitimising whaling and the suffering it causes.
WSPA is supporting the Australian Government’s proposal for a phase out of whaling, including whaling carried out by Japan under the guise of ‘scientific research. Through Give Whales a Voice we’re standing behind the Government in calling for a future for the IWC that is about achieving true whale protection.
Here's the video of the Give Whales A Voice speech again for those of you who haven't seen it!
Emily Reeves, WSPA
You can help to Give Whales A Voice today! Together anything is possible.
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