I can’t contain my anger and disgust at Japans intention, once again, to contravene the International Whaling Commissions (IWC) conventions in order to embark on a massive whale hunt. This issue has attracted an enormous amount of attention because this year they are going further than ever before. You can read other views from Chile here and Australia here. In addition to hundreds of Minke and fin whales, they intend to kill 50 hump backed whales. They call it “research” and this year 1,000 whales will be slaughtered to gather “data”. We know this is unnecessary. Whales can and are being studied elsewhere using non-lethal methods.
I cannot accept Japans reasoning to hunt whales.
“Humpback whales in our research area are rapidly recovering,” said the Fisheries Agency’s whaling chief, Hideki Moronuki. “Taking 50 humpbacks from a population of tens of thousands will have no significant impact whatsoever.” Like humans, apes, elephants and other sentient animals, whales live in complex societies. Killing individuals will affect them just as it would if your brother, mother or child was being hunted.
Some Japanese authorities maintain that eating whale meat is a gourmet delicacy and defend the hunt as an important part of Japanese cultural heritage. They claim that the hunt is necessary to keep this culture alive.
I have nothing against sustaining cultures, but this claim is a blatantly misleading. Whale meat only became popular in Japan during the WW II because it helped ward off starvation and malnutrition. It was the cheapest source of protein in Japan at that time, but it has never been very popular. In 2006 commercial freezers that store whale meat in Japan had 2,700 tons of uneaten stock, and whale burgers and whale spaghetti bolognaise were being introduced and served in school lunch cafeterias and distributed to old people’s homes! If it is such an integral part of national culture, why are they forcing people to eat it?
Japan can hardly claim that they need these whales for research or food. I see this annual kill as simply a pretext for keeping the Japanese whaling industry alive. It is a disgrace that such a rich and civilized country would engage in such a barbaric and cruel activity. Cultures change as civilizations move on and that is how new social norms develop. It’s time Japan moved on.
As I write another tragedy is erupting as emotional pressure has pitted conservationists against each other. The Sea Shepherd is apparently trying to ram the Japanese ships but are locked in an argument with Green peace about militant versus peaceful means to stop the whale hunt. You can read about it here.
Do you have a view about this hunt and about who is right: Greenpeace or Sea Shepherd?
This video clip and the photos above were generously provided by IFAW I hope they help you to understand the issues and feel compelled to take action.
Donations made here are
Mar 18th Michelle P USD 30.00
23 Comments
Dr. Leakey,
While I worked for the World Society for the Protection of Animals, we conducted a study to look into the status of whales around Africa and in particular, reasons as to why African countries were joining the IWC. If I remember correctly, two years ago 18% of the IWC consisted of African countries which is quite significant considering that with the exception of SA, they dont have anything to do with whales directly. Countries like Mali were on the IWC and all but Kenya and SA were in favour of commercial whaling. The fate of whales unfortunately hangs on uninformed votes and it was no secret that Japan was buying votes in Africa which is unfortunately the easiest place to shop.
Kenya can be a very influential player on the Africa scene so if there is anything you can do to lobby our government to regain its voting rights and try and influence others in the region, that would certainly help to bring some balance to this game of raising hands
Yes Dr Leakey
I agree: the position of Japan is disgusting in the XXI century.
For this position i boycott every manifactured made in Japan (like cars, stereo, moto, pc..)
Thank you for Widlifedirect: is a fantastic invention
Best wishes
dr.Antonio Canella Faenza Italy
I cannot excuse cruelty in the guise of a cultural trait. What the Japanese are doing in the oceans to whales and dolphins is cruel and destructive and serves no purpose. I’m going with Capt. Watson and the Sea Shepherd and I wish them success. This is a critical time for our planet and we can’t sit back and watch and hope that humans will do the right thing – we have to take strong action.
s.
Well, not really _going_ with them on their voyage, but I agree with them in this argument. Wanted to clear that up.
s.
I too have followed this and in Reuters News it speaks of the fact that Australia is so against this whale hunting especially the hump back but says Japan sstates its ties to Australia are still strong. All countries should distance themselves from Japan for the this disgusting hunt in the guise as Canada does for the seals “A WAY OF LIFE” – they need to grow up and move on with conservation. economic and bigger issues in the world let that become their WAY OF LIFE instead!
Dear Dr Leakey, I too get extremely frustrated everytime I read news reports that yet again the Japanese feel it is their “right” to kill anything in the sea for their so called research. I get regular updates from IFAW, EIA and other wildlife organisations. I have e-mailed the Japanese PM regarding this and the slaughter of the dolphins and sent a lengthy letter to the Japanese Ambassador in the UK. I haven’t had a reply yet, and to be honest I don’t think I’ll get one, but I will keep trying!! I remember watching a documentary film when I was in my teens, I’m 35 now, and the sound of the dolphins crying whilst being cut up still alive has always haunted me and bring tears to my eyes whenever I think about it.
If Japan uses the risible “research” device to sidestep consensus or convention there’s little one can realistically do to stop them (sanctions are unlikely), which is frustrating. Nor am I convinced that the self-righteous ‘innocent’ violence of zealotry is a credible response, especially when it amounts to a single boat behaving recklessly and illegally (that’s just criminality). There are tens of thousands of eco-business professionals paying themselves salaries to deal with these issues, let them sing for their suppers.
This is a great websit — this kid got the 1007 IFAW Award for his work on the Canadian seal hunt.
Check it out — http://www.mypointis.net/
I got this information from DawnWatch:
Paul Watson and Sea Shepherd are in Australia, about to head for the seas to interfere with Japanese killing of endangered humpback whales. On Friday morning, 30 November, Australia’s Today Show interviewed Watson. You can watch the interview on line at http://tinyurl.com/2jtvh3
Most importantly, please send a quick line of thanks to Australia’s Today Show. It is great that the Internet makes it possible for us to watch the coverage from anywhere, and I am sure the reporters will be pleased to know that the story got them international positive attention. The anchors already noted that they will be checking back with Sea Shepherd; an enthusiastic viewer response will encourage more frequent and enthusiastic check-backs.
The Today Show takes comments at today@nine.com.au
s.
I am truly sorry to see that people in this day and age still resort to such barbaric measures and use science as as way to do it. Science in the true sense has given us so many alternatives to studying than the senseless killing of animals under the guise of research. I am disgusted with Japans decision and greatly oppose what they intend to do. I am so angry I could go there myself and ram their boats but I don’t think violence is the best way to counteract violence. We need to boycott products that help sustain their economy and let them feel the peoples rage by hitting them where they really feel it, in the pocket. I have already banned all products made in China from my home based on their participation and encouragement in the Bushmeat trade and animal cruelty as well as the fact that the products produced in China hurt our Children and Pets. I have no problem banning Japanese made products as well. I am writing to everyone and anyone regarding this issue and hope that by spreading the word of this horrific situation people will rise to the challenge and act. I am also starting a petition on care2’s petition site. Thank you for your update on this situation. I am truly sorry for the way humans behave sometimes. Its so sad.
Debbie
I too am not buying Chinese made products and I totally agree with your words Debbie!
I’ve cancelled my membership to Greenpeace and have given my money to Sea Shepherd which is doing the kind of courageous direct action that Greenpeace used to do!
I read last year that Greenpeace met with Japanese representatives in Japan concerning whaling and the Greenpeace rep was feted with a lovely WHALE MEAT DINNER! which the Greepeace rep said was “delicious”.
Shame on Greepeace! Long live Capt. Watson and his bold shipmates!
We are very grateful for your comments. Africa is home to several of these whale species as they migrate south. As an African organisation, we are looking to establish a firm position, and a strategy to tackle this extremely important issue. Certainly the threat seems to be getting worse, year by year, and there is a desperate need to support those who will be taking to the seas to confront the whalers.
What I’m baffled about is how Japan can force this meat on their public when it seems they have no interest in buying it and it sits in storage. I don’t understand how they can try to keep alive an industry that is not producing revenue. It makes no sense. Lisa
Hi Lisa, I agree with your comment. I think it’s obviously just an excuse they (the Japanese) are using to try and justify their horrible actions.
I too have listened to what Capt. Watson had to say thanks to the link provided by Sheryl and am 100% behind Sea Shepherd and their mission. They have every legal right to protect their territory and are not acting outside the constraints of the law. If no one stands up to Japan, they will soon invade our waters as well. Katherine, I had no idea about the meeting between Greenpeace and the Japanese rep. and I’m with you. That is appalling and I will not support Hypocrisy. Thank you for bringing that info to my attention.
FYI, here’s a page from the Sea Shepherd Web site with a link to the video of the Greenpeacer eating whale meat: http://www.seashepherd.org/news/media_070216_1.html
Greenpeace has clearly lost its way. I’ll spare you the vegan ranting – this time.
s.
Thanks, Sheryl, for supplying the link to the Greenpeace official eating whale meat. I meant to cite the source for this appalling event in my earlier posting.
Dr Leakey, I share your outrage, it’s well placed. As for the question of Sea Shepard VS Greenpeace tactics there is a dilemma for any US citizen participating in agressive tactics. In 2006, the US congress passed AETA, which stands for Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act. “Offenders” of this aggregious act are labeled as “terrorists” and if found guilty, face both stiff fines and long prison sentences. I belong to Blue Voice which advocates passive resistence; it won’t do the whales and dolphins any good if the activists end up in jail!Just ask any member of ALF[animal liberation front] who has tried to rescue captive primates from labatories where they have been abused!This group has had to go “underground” by the way!
I CONDEMN JAPANS DECISION TO SLAUGHTER THESE BEUTIFUL CREATURES IN THE NAME OF SO CALLED SCIENCE SHAME ON THE JAPANESE GOVERNMENT
Japan’s behaviour is a disgrace, from whichever angle you look at it. Using the excuse of “maintaining a culture” does not hold water, in my opinion. The process of civilisation is partly the weeding out of unacceptable cultural activities as society becomes more sophisticated and better educated. We can all look back in our histories and observe behaviour which was the norm once, but has become unacceptable now. With the scientific and moral arguments stacked against whaling, Japan ought to join the world community instead of insisting on continuing its barbaric ways.
I am also against Japan’s decision to slaughter whales. Shame on them! I have boycotted all Japanese products since the largely publicized dolphin slaughter by Japanese fishermen many years ago.
I heard an interview on BBC about this issue and was surprised that nobody was addressing the issue of the intelligence of whales as a reason why we should spare them. Nobody would agree to chimpanzee hunting for meat even if they could be ‘farmed’ would they?
The Sea Shepherd are a heroic organisation that deserve all our support. I urge everyone to donate what you can to support their 2009/2010 Antarctic whale protection campaign!