Whaling in our waters

Japanese whaling vessels have left for the Southern Ocean, where up to 935 minke and 50 fin whales will be killed this whaling season under the guise of scientific whaling. These whales will be killed in a marine sanctuary under quotas approved by the International Whaling Commission (IWC). This year the Southern Ocean area where the fleet will hunt has been doubled in size, spanning millions of square kilometres of waters to the south of Australia in addition to the area south of New Zealand. This is yet another indication of Japan’s determination to continue whaling and hinder surveillance efforts.

We know there is no need to kill a whale to understand it. This is demonstrated by the Southern Ocean Research Programme, which is gathering data humanely.

The IWC cannot decide whether to protect whales or protect whaling. It is now reflecting on how to move forward. In the meantime, Japan will continue its whaling operations in Australian waters.

Our first meeting with Tony Burke as part of a cetacean roundtable reinforced that the Australian Government will take a strong stance against whaling. We need to ensure that momentum for this position is maintained at a time where some countries are prepared to compromise and the importance of whale welfare is being overlooked.

There is no humane way to kill a whale at sea. We need the Australian Government to use its influence within the IWC to oppose any motions to bring back commercial whaling or defend scientific whaling.

Rachel Smith, WSPA

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