Japan suspends whaling

Media reports this week suggest the Japanese government has suspended whaling in the Southern Ocean, for the first time in decades. Although it's unclear how long the suspension will last, this is one of the most promising signs we've seen in years - one which will bring hope to all Australians.

For 23 years the Japanese have hunted whales under the guise of “scientific research”, killing more than 10,000 whales in the Antarctic. Their 2011 quota had earmarked the slaughter of at least another 1000 more. But if the whaling season is indeed cut short, hundreds of whales will be spared an inhumane death.

In Canberra on Saturday 12th February, we joined the Justice for Whales rally, alongside a coalition of NGOs campaigning against whaling. The message to the Japanese and Australian Governments was clear as speakers, politicians, NGOs and families came together to show they will not stand for the cruelty of whaling.

As we await Japan's next move, it's important we keep the pressure up to stop whaling for good. We must also remember that the other whaling nations of Norway and Iceland are currently making preparations for their annual hunt, aiming to kill 1300 more whales.


Commercial whaling causes immense suffering no matter where it takes place and which species are targeted. This is an unnecessary and archaic industry that should be consigned to the history books.

We urge Japan to make this suspension permanent.


Rachel Smith, WSPA

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