You may have heard that this week the Government will start legal proceedings against Japan and its so-called scientific whaling in the Southern Ocean. But what does this mean for whales? And will it affect the International Whaling Commission’s discussions?
At this early stage it is hard to say. But the announcement gives a strong signal to Japan that we will no longer tolerate whaling in the Southern Ocean. And for that reason alone, I’m pleased that it is going ahead.
While the latest development shows our Government is serious about stopping Japanese whaling, this is not a simple situation. As a result, it has drawn a mixed response from other governments, including from our closest neighbours in New Zealand.
What we mustn’t forget in all of the debate is that whaling is inherently cruel. And as Australians we are passionate about ending this cruelty – our recent research shows that 95% of us want whaling in the Southern Ocean stopped.
The Government's decision is therefore in-line with the expectations of Australians that we must do everything possible to end whaling. But the legal action will take time. In the meantime, the IWC meeting is approaching fast. And we need to make our voices heard loud and clear at this meeting.
The Australian Government must stand strong for whales at the IWC. They must continue to argue for a future where whales are protected, not whaling. And we can push them to do this. And we can support them in taking this stance.
So please record your word today. And tell everyone you know. We can’t afford to wait.
Emily Reeves, WSPA
You can help to Give Whales A Voice today! Together anything is possible.
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