Court may end Japan’s research whaling

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Independent

Court may end Japan’s research whaling
Chiara Rimella
Saturday 29 March 2014

In all other aspects, the two countries are close trading partners. But when Australia and Japan meet at the International Court of Justice in The Hague on Monday, in a case that could prove critical to the survival of the whale in the Antarctic, old divisions over hunting the ocean’s biggest mammal will again surface.

The legitimacy of Japan’s whaling in Antarctic waters has long been contested by Australia. It is four years since Australian authorities accused Tokyo of exploiting a loophole in legislation that allows the hunting of whales in the name of scientific research, despite a 1986 ban on commercial whaling in the Antarctic. Australia has asked the court to order Japan to stop its research programme and “revoke any authorisations, permits or licences” to hunt for whales in the Southern Ocean.

Japan has never denied that its research is aimed at proving that commercial whaling is environmentally sustainable, but refuses to discuss the scientific merit of its operations.

The two countries have agreed not to let their disagreement cloud commercial interests. The Australian Prime Minister, Tony Abbott, is currently negotiating a trade deal with Japan, which could be finalised within the next few months.
Claire Bass, head of wildlife campaigns at the World Society for the Protection of Animals, said: “At its heart, this case is not about science, or Japan or Australia, but the unnecessary, inhumane exploitation of animals.”


Read more: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/court-may-end-japans-research-whaling-9223654.html

[sakabatou]

1. In my opinion, it was never research

just whaling.

[PatrynXX]

2. I'd say even if Captain Kirk were real

he'd agree

[shebornik]

4. Captain Paul Watson would definitely agree.

[blackspade]

5. +1000

[shenmue]

3. Whew

I sure hope so.

[flvegan]

6. No it won't. How laughable.

Japan's interest in whaling has long mocked the "rules" and directly violated treaties. They. Don't. Care. This will be nothing different. LIttle ole Australia can shake their little fist at Japan on this, but they'll still do it.

Thank God for Sea Shepherd.

[CFLDem]

7. Exactly